News Articles
Plastics industry boom brings flood of new ethylene “cracker” plants, despite frequent environmental violations
The plastics industry in the U.S. has grown significantly in recent years, including a massive buildout of chemical plants called ethane crackers that turn fracked gas into ethylene -- one of the primary building blocks of plastics and petrochemicals. By the end of 2022, ethylene will be made at 34 facilities in the U.S., up from 27 in 2015. Eighteen of these 34 plants have been designated by EPA as “high priority violators” of the Clean Air Act.
EPA will restore an Obama-era chemical disaster safety rule halted by Trump Administration
The EPA is planning to reinstate a rule meant to prevent fires, leaks, spills, explosions, and other disasters at more than 12,000 facilities nationwide, including many oil and gas and petrochemical plants. The rule was first proposed by the Obama Administration in 2017 and later rolled back in 2019 under the Trump Administration. It would require more facilities to plan for natural disasters and strengthen public notice requirements. But many safety advocates say it does not go far enough.
Proposed 'green gasoline' plants raise questions about pollution from natural gas fuels
A company called Nacero Inc. plans to build multi-billion-dollar plants in Pennsylvania and Texas to produce vehicle fuels marketed as “blue” and “green” gasoline. What is "green" gasoline? Is it an oxymoron, like "clean" coal? The company argues their liquid fuel, made from natural gas, emits less air pollution than conventional gasoline. But critics say it is far from carbon neutral or Earth friendly.
Investigation: Carbon capture tax credits in climate bill riddled with verification failures and other problems
The landmark climate bill signed by President Joe Biden on Aug. 13 includes billions of dollars in tax credits to encourage carbon capture and sequestration projects. But an IRS investigation of the carbon credit program found that more than half of the $1 billion in credits claimed by oil and gas companies and other industries for carbon capture projects over the last decade were revoked by IRS because the companies failed to verify that the greenhouse gas was actually captured, as required by EPA.
On the Texas Gulf Coast, a race to build desalination plants to serve a thirsty oil & gas industry
At least six desalination plants are planned around Corpus Christi, Texas, to serve a rising demand for fresh water from a rapidly growing petrochemical industry and planned LNG export terminals. Local residents fighting the desalination plants say believe the projects will hike residents’ water bills to serve a massive industry expansion, while dumping highly concentrated saltwater with heavy metals into local bays and estuaries, threatening marine life. All told, the six desalination plants – if built – could discharge more than 362 million gallons of brine per day.
Behind the climate bill: the high price of Manchin's pipeline deal in Appalachia
The landmark climate bill signed by President Biden yesterday passed because of a political compromise with Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia that will impose a burden on Appalachia. Manchin says he struck a deal with Democrats to also approve the once-dead Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline, which requires the condemnation of hundreds of farms, the clearcutting of woods and the blasting of rock. Among those hurt by the deal is the family of Fred Vest, a Vietnam veteran who died last year during the "invasion" and blasting of his farm.
Natural gas development transforms Pennsylvania farmland
A 40-fold growth in natural gas production in Pennsylvania over the last 12 years has triggered a massive buildout of wells, tanks, and gas processing plants on what was once farmland. The state has issued permits for at least 29 new large gas and petrochemical projects. These include a pair of cryogenic fractionation plants surrounding the Duran family farm in Smith Township, west of Pittsburgh. These plants use extreme cold to separate natural gas into butane and other fuels.
In East Texas, organizers fight massive oil export pipeline planned for popular fishing grounds
Energy Transfer Partners, one of the nation’s largest pipeline companies, plans to build a pipeline to carry oil from the northern U.S. and Canada to a terminal near Port Arthur, TX, where ships could carry that oil abroad. The project is part of an explosive growth in U.S. oil exports, which rose from an average of 42,000 barrels per day in 2010 to 3.3 million barrels per day in 2022.
The market can't handle fast-tracking LNG. Neither can the climate.
In response to Russia’s war on Ukraine and soaring fuel prices, some U.S. politicians have been advocating for faster environmental review and approval of permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. But there is no need to rush. Neither the market nor the climate can handle a glut of LNG. And building all 20 LNG projects already authorized in the U.S. would consume 37 percent of U.S. natural gas, worsening gas prices and inflation for Americans.
At least 20 major oil and gas plants proposed in flood zones
Despite the growing risk of flooding due to climate change and rising sea levels, a review of new energy projects shows that energy companies are proposing to build major facilities in flood-prone areas. At least 20 upcoming oil- and gas-related projects are planned in floodplains, many along the Gulf Coast.
Welcome to Oil & Gas Watch News
Greenhouse gases are driving profound changes to the Earth’s climate, contributing to record-breaking heat waves and millions of acres of wildfires, among many other problems. Some industry advocates have tried to position natural gas as a “bridge fuel” to a green future. Oil & Gas Watch News examines the data and public records and sets the record straight.
