In ‘Cancer Alley,’ Carbon Capture Push Draws Fire From Environmentalists

"EPA proposes handing regulation of carbon storage to state officials in Louisiana. Activists fear the risks, and the chance it could perpetuate the fossil fuel industry."

"DONALDSONVILLE, La. — Petrochemical plants and refineries dominate the landscape in this part of Louisiana, each year spewing millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the air. If Washington and the oil industry have their way, some of those climate-warming gases could soon be captured and stored underground.

But the Biden administration faces big resistance from a key ally: environmentalists.

Many, led by environmental justice advocates, object to carbon capture projects, especially in a region where petrochemical plants often sit next to Black churches and schools, and high cancer rates have led to the nickname “Cancer Alley.” Some fear carbon capture will perpetuate fossil fuel industries they want to phase out. Others fear the direct local impacts of pipelines and other planned infrastructure."

Timothy Puko reports for the Washington Post June 22, 2023.

Source: Washington Post, 06/22/2023