Exxon has applied for tax subsidies to build an $8.6 billion plastics factory in Point Comfort, Texas, raising concerns among residents already dealing with pollution from nearby petrochemical facilities.
Tik Root and Joseph Winters report for Grist.
In short:
- The plant would include a steam cracker to produce plastic-building chemicals, emitting hazardous pollutants like benzene and ammonia.
- Local activists fear increased pollution, especially after a nearby Formosa Plastics facility was fined $50 million for illegal waste dumping.
- Exxon seeks millions in tax breaks under a Texas program aimed at attracting businesses, despite earning $33.7 billion last year.
Key quote:
“These tax incentives have become one of the early battles in these facilities.”
— Robin Schneider, Texas Campaign for the Environment
Why this matters:
The expansion of plastic production, often driven by major petrochemical companies like ExxonMobil, has become a focal point of environmental and social scrutiny. While these projects promise economic growth and job creation, they often come with steep costs for nearby communities, particularly those already grappling with systemic inequities. Petrochemical plants, which convert fossil fuels into plastic and other materials, are frequently sited in or near marginalized areas, exposing residents to increased air and water pollution. This can lead to health problems such as respiratory issues and cancers, compounding existing social and economic vulnerabilities.
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