Staff Reports
The Center Square recently reported on the shocking misuse of taxpayer money going to plastics plants. The report from the Environmental Integrity Project uncovered that a staggering 64% of these plants that received government subsidies have violated their air pollution limits. That’s like promising not to eat dessert before dinner and then sneaking a cookie when nobody’s looking!
The Environmental Integrity Project found that these plastic plants have collectively cashed in a whopping $9 billion in subsidies. That’s enough money to buy everyone in the country a lifetime supply of ice cream! The report pointed out the blatant disregard for air pollution control permits, with hazardous chemicals being released into nearby communities. It’s like the plants are playing a game of “let’s see how much pollution we can get away with” – not cool!
Report: Billions in subsidies go to polluting Pennsylvania plant
Much of the growth in the plastics industry centers in Texas and Louisiana – the largest subsidy, $3.5 billion, went to a petrochemical plant in Lake Charles.
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The biggest offender was a petrochemical plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which snatched a jaw-dropping $3.5 billion in subsidies. And right behind them was a plant in Pennsylvania that shamelessly pocketed $1.7 billion from hardworking taxpayers. That’s enough money to buy a whole football team and still have some left over for snacks!
The report also highlighted the fact that the companies receiving these hefty subsidies are often owned by foreign entities, which means all that tax money is essentially flying out the door and not benefitting the local economy. It’s like giving your lunch money to the school bully instead of using it to buy a delicious sandwich!
But wait, there’s more! Despite all this cash flow, the promised economic growth and job creation have yet to materialize. It’s like promising a surprise party and then nobody shows up – a major letdown! And to add insult to injury, these plants are racking up pollution violations like they’re collecting trading cards, with one plant in Pennsylvania violating air pollution limits over 50 times in just over a year. That’s like getting caught sneaking cookies every day for a whole year!
The Environmental Integrity Project didn’t hold back, calling for stricter permit limits and better monitoring to track pollution violations, along with more transparency for the public. They also suggested that public funds should be used for projects that support public health, not for subsidizing plants that are causing harm to the environment and nearby communities.
It’s clear that something needs to change. Taxpayers deserve better, and the environment deserves better. It’s time for these plastic plants to clean up their act and for state governments to stop doling out money like it’s candy on Halloween. After all, nobody likes a bully who takes your lunch money and then doesn’t even invite you to the party!
