Proposed petrochemical plant near Beaumont a threat to health and environment

Last month, Environment Texas joined with other environmental groups and local residents in opposing the construction of the Energy Transfer Petrochemical Facility in Nederland, Texas.

Energy Transfer Petrochemical Holdings LLC have applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for an air quality permit for a new ethane cracking plant.

If the construction of the plant is approved, it could release up to 5.1 million tons per year of greenhouse gases each year, equivalent to the GHG emissions from the tailpipes of more than one million gasoline-powered cars. The plant would also be allowed to release toxic and irritating chemicals, including NOx, VOC, sulfur dioxide, and up to 320 tons of fine particulate matter, which is linked to premature mortality.

Environment Texas joined with Environmental Integrity Project, South End Charlton-Pollard Greater Historic Community Association, Westry Mouton Project, Sierra Club, Texas Campaign for the Environment, and local residents in submitting a public comment in opposition to the permit.