Contact:
Sara Klein, sara_klein@dkcnews.com (631) 905-6403
Sarah McBride, smcbride@momscleanairforce.org
Washington, DC—Earlier this month, the Northumberland Borough Council passed an anti-Encina resolution that blocked the development of the proposed largest chemical recycling petrochemical plant in the U.S. The resolution cited more than 10 concerns, including the risk of toxic air emissions and the risk of polluting the Susquehanna River. Today, Encina announced that it was canceling the project.
Patrice Tomcik, National Field Director of Moms Clean Air Force, released the following statement:
“The resolution by Northumberland County and subsequent cancellation of this petrochemical plant is a milestone achievement in the fight for a cleaner Earth. As we all know, so-called ‘chemical recycling’ or ‘advanced recycling’ is not advanced, nor is it recycling. Rather, it is a cynical ploy to turn a plastic crisis into a dangerous air pollution and toxic waste problem.
“Encina’s proposed plant would have had devastating health impacts for families across the region. Moms was proud to be a part of a passionate coalition of community organizers and voices in the fight against this proposed chemical recycling plant and we will continue advocating against these greenwashed incineration technologies.”
Rachel Meyer, Moms Clean Air Force field organizer in Pennsylvania, said:
“This win for the people of Northumberland County and beyond shows that when the truth is exposed about chemical recycling, people see it is not a solution to the plastic crisis. It is a highly polluting, wasteful, and dangerous experiment threatening the health and safety of local communities. By keeping this facility out of Point Township, local people can breathe easier knowing that Encina will not be putting them and their children at increased risk for cancer and respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Bravo Save Our Susquehanna, the Northumberland Borough Council, and everyone who came together to end this deception! Moms will continue to shed light on the health harming pollution emitted by chemical recycling and fight to protect other communities.”
Resources:
- Fact Sheet: Plastics and Climate Change
- Fact Sheet: “Chemical Recycling” 101
- Resource: Our plastics and petrochemical work
- Video: The Truth About “Advanced Recycling”
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