More than a dozen Moms from across the country testified last week in front of EPA, sounding the alarm about the agency’s proposal to exempt “advanced recycling” plastics incinerators from pollution control measures under the Clean Air Act.
In Chemical & Engineering News, Senior Analyst for Petrochemicals Cynthia Palmer explains that if this proposal is finalized, “advanced recycling” facilities using pyrolysis technology to burn plastic waste would not be held to any air monitoring, reporting, or emissions requirements. Since 1995, EPA has considered these types of facilities incinerators, and Cynthia explained that EPA’s attempt to exempt these units from Clean Air Act rules is both illegal and dangerous.
Tell EPA: Our Families Need Strong Protections From Plastics Incinerators
“Advanced recycling” incinerators emit dangerous air pollutants that can increase the risk of cancer, birth defects, and cardiovascular and neurological problems in surrounding communities, many of whose residents are overwhelmingly low-income and people of color.
“This is a free pass to pollute. We know that pyrolysis incineration of plastic waste releases dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde, and heavy metals like mercury and lead,” Senior National Field Director Patrice Tomcik said in her testimony, featured in Plastics News.
In other news
- Liz Hurtado (pictured) shares her reactions to the repeal of the Endangerment Finding, the legal foundation of EPA’s ability to set strong limits on the greenhouse gas pollution driving global warming. She talks about how this repeal will affect families, especially in Latino and Black communities, which are disproportionately paying the price of climate pollution. Read more in Oh Good.
- For a special Women’s History Month segment, Spectrum News 1 speaks with Wisconsin Field Organizer Jayne Black about her work with Moms, including her efforts to raise awareness about harmful air pollution from data centers.
- In an interview with KCRG, Iowa Field Organizer Karin Stein warns that Iowans will feel the impacts of EPA’s irresponsible decision to repeal the Endangerment Finding for decades to come. She also talks about the importance of consistent air quality monitoring.
Honorable mentions
Over the last few weeks, Moms earned mentions in the Elizabethton Star and PA Environment Digest Blog.
Tell EPA: Our Families Need Strong Protections From Plastics Incinerators