Trump takes action to increase greenhouse gas and toxic emissions in Gulf states

Communities along the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast are preparing for a significant environmental challenge. The Trump administration has granted a two-year exemption that relaxes emissions regulations for certain petrochemical facilities, potentially adding nearly 5.3 million tons of additional air pollution annually to nearby neighborhoods.

An analysis by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) highlights five facilities planning expansions that will now be exempt from limits on greenhouse gases and other hazardous emissions. These include two plants in Texas and three in Louisiana producing chemicals ranging from plastics to pesticides.

Environmental advocates argue that this decision disproportionately affects predominantly Black and Brown communities already burdened by pollution. Tish Taylor, a longtime resident of the southeast Louisiana corridor known as "Cancer Alley," described the move as showing disregard for vulnerable populations, emphasizing ongoing exposure to chemical odors and air contaminants from local plants.

Since taking office, President Trump has actively rolled back prior measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental justice. This latest exemption impacts 52 chemical facilities owned by 25 companies, delaying compliance with the HON Rule established under the Biden administration to regulate air pollution from chemical plants and petrochemical facilities.

CIELs report, drawing on data from the Environmental Integrity Projects Oil and Gas Watch, estimates the potential emissions increase resulting from the two-year regulatory pause. The exempted plants include BASFs Geismar, Louisiana, facility; Shells Geismar chemical plant; Chevron Phillips Sweeny, Texas, refinery; Formosa Plastics Point Comfort, Texas, plant; and Westlake Chemical in Westlake, Louisiana.

Steven Feit, senior attorney with CIEL, said the exemptions maintain existing environmental inequities while expansion of these facilities is expected to increase pollution. The American Chemistry Council, representing over 190 chemical companies, praised the exemption as essential for sustaining chemical manufacturing, which they argue is critical for national security, healthcare, and agriculture.

The HON Rule originally required more than 200 facilities to monitor emissions of high-risk chemicals linked to cancer, such as ethylene oxide, benzene, and vinyl chloride. The rule also closed previous loopholes that allowed pollution during startups or shutdowns. Compliance was projected to reduce cancer risk in nearby communities by 96%.

The Trump administration justified the exemptions by citing a legal provision allowing suspension of certain hazardous air pollutant regulations if technological constraints exist and national security interests are at stake. Trump characterized the plants as "critical infrastructure" necessary for protecting domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign minerals.

CIEL expects legal challenges similar to those filed against the administrations coal industry exemptions. Environmental advocates express concern over the sudden announcement of exemptions without community notification, noting confusion over which facilities are affected and the potential health impacts on residents.

Formosa Plastics, one of the exempted companies, has a history of environmental violations, including a $50 million settlement for illegal toxic waste dumping in Texas waterways. The planned expansion of its Point Comfort plant could significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to adding 670,000 gas-powered vehicles to the atmosphere.

Community leaders warn that granting exemptions to repeat polluters undermines public trust and environmental protections. They stress the importance of holding facilities accountable while ensuring that industrial growth does not come at the expense of local health and safety.

Author: Connor Blake