EPA rule to slash toxic pollution will affect 80 Texas plants

Chemical Manufacturing Plants Required to Reduce Toxic Emissions

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Introduction

More than 200 chemical manufacturing plants nationwide — including dozens in Texas along the Gulf Coast — will be required to reduce toxic emissions that could cause cancer for people who live nearby under a new Environmental Protection Agency rule announced Tuesday.

Chemical Manufacturing Plants in Texas

These facilities use hazardous chemicals to make plastics, paints, synthetic fabrics, pesticides and other petrochemical products. An EPA list shows that about 80, or 40% of them, are located in Texas, mostly in coastal cities like Baytown, Channelview, Corpus Christi, Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena and Port Arthur.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The new rule focuses on limiting six chemicals: ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride. All are known to increase cancer risk and cause damage to the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems after long-term exposure.

Impact on Health and Environment

According to the EPA, the new rule will slash more than 6,000 tons of toxic air pollutants annually and reduce the number of people with elevated cancer risk by 96% nationwide.

Fence Line Air Monitoring

The new rule will also require facilities to install fence line air monitoring devices that measure concentrations of a specific chemical at the property line of a manufacturing site.

Environmental Justice and Communities of Color

Studies show that communities of color are more likely to be exposed to pollution from chemical manufacturing plants.

Importance of the New Rule

Cynthia Palmer, a senior analyst for petrochemicals with the environmental nonprofit Moms Clean Air Force, said in a written statement that the new rule is “deeply personal for me. My best friend grew up near nine of the chemical manufacturing facilities in Texas that will be covered in this new rulemaking. She died of cancer when her children were in preschool.”

Compliance and Concerns

Hector Rivero, president and CEO of the Texas Chemistry Council, said in an email that the new EPA rule will have a big impact on the manufacture of ethylene oxide, which he said is important for products like electric cars and computer chips, as well as sterilizing medical products. However, he believes the way EPA assessed the health risks of ethylene oxide was scientifically flawed.

Enforcement and Reporting

The new rule goes into effect shortly after being published in the Federal Register. The biggest reductions in cancer risk will come from reducing emissions of ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Facilities must meet requirements for reducing ethylene oxide within two years after the rule becomes effective and must meet requirements for chloroprene within

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Reduction in toxic emissions from chemical manufacturing plants.
• Reduction in cancer risk for people living near these facilities.
• Installation of fence line air monitoring devices to measure concentrations of specific chemicals.
• Compliance with new regulations and requirements for reducing emissions.
• Additional compliance reporting and performance evaluations after pollution events.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: texastribune.org

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