Big Oil Pivots to Plastics Amid Declining Fossil Fuel Demand, Drawing Billions in Subsidies Despite Environmental Violations

A new report reveals that petrochemical companies have received nearly $9 billion in subsidies for plastic production facilities, many located near marginalized communities and frequently violating pollution permits.

• Demand for fossil fuels is declining as the world shifts towards renewable energy, prompting Big Oil to increasingly invest in plastic production.
• State and local subsidies totaling nearly $9 billion have supported the construction or expansion of 50 plastics manufacturing facilities, primarily along the Gulf Coast.
• The subsidized facilities, often located near marginalized communities, have been cited for regular violations of pollution permits, posing health and environmental risks.
• Environmental advocates call for stricter enforcement of pollution permits and argue that public funds should be redirected to projects that benefit public health and the environment.
• Proposed federal rules aim to reduce hazardous air pollution from chemical plants, with the EPA considering monitoring requirements that would make pollution data available in real time.

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