Reviewed by Lexie CornerDec 10 2024
A recent study conducted by PSE Healthy Energy evaluates emissions from petrochemical plants located in the Gulf Coast and Ohio River Valley regions. The results show that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM2.5 precursor emissions were responsible for nearly 1,500 premature deaths in 2020, which researchers estimate corresponds to about $17 billion in economic costs. Despite this, particulate matter and its precursors account for only a small portion of the overall pollution from the industry.
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The analysis, published through an interactive data tool and technical report, reviewed publicly available emissions data to assess the climate, air quality, equity, and health impacts of petrochemical facilities in the Ohio River Valley (Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) and the Gulf Coast (Louisiana and Texas).
The study, which focused on data from 2012 to 2021, examined 774 existing petrochemical facilities and 116 proposed projects. The findings showed that industry growth during this period resulted in a 12 % increase in annual greenhouse gas emissions across the two regions.
Petrochemical facilities are often located in densely populated areas, within communities that are at elevated risk from air pollution. We see this pattern with existing facilities, but also with siting for proposed facilities. Indeed, nearly half of all new petrochemical facilities are being proposed in communities that experience greater cumulative impacts of environmental injustice.
Lee Ann Hill, Director, Energy and Health, Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers for Healthy Energy
In both regions, 83 % of petrochemical facilities are situated near populations with incomes below the national median of $41,000. Researchers estimate that 44 % of all proposed petrochemical projects would be located in communities ranked in the 75th percentile or higher on the Environmental Justice Index (EJI), signifying heightened vulnerability compared to other census tracts within the same state.
On average, 27,556 individuals reside within a three-mile radius of a facility in the Ohio River Valley, while 16,268 people live within this range on the Gulf Coast. Studies indicate that residents near petrochemical complexes face an elevated risk of being diagnosed with various types of cancer, alongside a greater likelihood of experiencing respiratory issues and adverse birth outcomes.