A proposed Erie recycling plant that would convert plastics for reuse and steelmaking has secured a $182.6 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, sparking debate over its environmental and economic impact.
Julie Grant reports for The Allegheny Front.
In short:
- International Recycling Group (IRG) plans to process 160,000 tons of plastic annually in Erie, selling some for recycling and using the rest to replace coal in steelmaking.
- Local supporters emphasize job creation, while critics fear air pollution, traffic and potential harm to Lake Erie from plastic waste.
- Environmental groups argue that recycling plastics for steelmaking perpetuates outdated technologies and could delay faster climate solutions.
Key quote:
“They’ve never been straight with the answers. They always hold us suspect, those people who care about the environment and the people in the neighborhood.”
— Art Leopold, Erie resident
Why this matters:
The project promises jobs and lower emissions but concerns about pollution and reliance on fossil fuels have led some Erie residents to question the long-term benefits. Careful oversight will be needed to ensure environmental safety and transparency.
