Nearly $9 Billion in Tax Breaks for Gulf Coast Petrochemicals Despite Pollution Violations

A report reveals that 84% of operations exceeded air pollutant levels, impacting communities and sparking calls for conditional subsidies.

Petrochemical companies along the Gulf Coast have received nearly $9 billion in tax breaks since 2012 for plastics production, despite frequent pollution permit violations.
The Environmental Integrity Project report highlights that 84% of the operations exceeded allowed air pollutant levels, impacting marginalized communities.
Tax incentives are given without requiring compliance with state pollution control permits, raising concerns over subsidizing companies that violate environmental laws.
Proposed expansions in Texas include 42 new plastics plants, with significant environmental and health implications for local communities.
Critics argue for making subsidies conditional on environmental compliance, suggesting that companies failing to adhere to laws should not benefit from taxpayer money.