Weaker Air Pollution Rules Threaten Louisiana Families in Cancer Alley

For 85 miles between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, massive chemical plants loom over the

Mississippi River in an area known as “Cancer Alley”. The families in these communities face

some of the highest cancer risks in the nation. Now, their health and safety are under even greater

threat following recent federal decisions to weaken air pollution regulations.

(Photo: Wiki)

Safeguards Before Federal Rollbacks

Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set standards that required

chemical plants and refineries to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants, including chemicals

like ethylene oxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. These standards, based in the latest scientific

research, were designed to protect people working and living near these facilities. This protection

is especially critical in Louisiana’s river parishes, where families have been exposed to

hazardous levels of air pollution for generations.

Under the EPA’s standards, facilities are required to implement chemical monitoring systems,

adopt pollution-control technologies, and comply with strict deadlines to reduce emissions.

These safeguards helped to limit exposure to dangerous chemicals and gave residents some

measure of protection against the health risks associated with living near chemical plants.

A Two-Year Break on Pollution Controls

Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, the President has the authority to exempt certain

facilities from compliance with EPA standards for up to two years if the technology to meet the

rules is “unavailable” or if it is deemed in the national interest. Recently, this power was used to

grant multiple Louisiana facilities a two-year reprieve, delaying enforcement of stricter pollution

controls.

For residents in nearby communities, this is not just a policy change, it is a real health threat.

Every extra year that plants operate without enhanced monitoring or control technologies

increases exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer, respiratory problems, and other serious

illnesses.

Which Facilities Are Affected?

The rollback impacts facilities across Louisiana, including:

• Shell Chemical in Norco

• Dow Chemical in Plaquemine

• Formosa Plastics in Baton Rouge

• BASF in Geismar

• ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge

• Occidental Chemical in Geismar

• DuPont in LaPlace

• Union Carbide Corporation in Taft

• Westlake Vinyl in Lake Charles

• Rubicon in Geismar

• CITGO in Lake Charles

• Total Energies Petrochemical in St. Gabriel

• Denka Performance Elastomer in LaPlace

• Sasol Chemicals in Lake Charles

Read the national list of exempt facilities here.

These plants already rank among the highest emitters in the state. Giving them two more years of

leeway means continued danger for the communities surrounding them.

“Have you lived or worked near one of these facilities and recently

been diagnosed with cancer? Contact us today for a free case review.

Why These Regulations Matter for Louisiana

Unfortunately, Louisiana residents know the dangers of living near chemical plants all too well.

In parishes along the Mississippi River, cancer rates are alarmingly high, and children often

struggle with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Generations of residents face long-term

health challenges, including neurological problems and complications related to reproductive

health.

Make it stand out

Air quality standards were meant to reduce these harms. Rolling back enforcement not only

increases health risks but also puts additional strain on communities that have been advocating

for cleaner air for decades. Parishes like St. John the Baptist, St. James, and Ascension are home

to families who have long worked to protect their families from toxic exposure.

Health Risks from Toxic Emissions

Scientists have linked long-term exposure to toxic air pollutants with devastating health effects,

including:

• Cancers such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Respiratory illnesses like chronic bronchitis and asthma

• Neurological problems from long-term exposure

• Reproductive harm and birth defects linked to certain chemicals

For those already living in the shadow of these facilities, every extra year of exposure increases

the risk.

Standing Up for Louisiana Families

At the Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman, we know that Louisianans deserve better. Families

should not have to choose between staying in their homes and protecting their health. Our firm is

dedicated to representing individuals who have been harmed by toxic exposures, including

asbestos and other industrial pollutants.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness after living or

working near a Louisiana chemical plant, the Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman can help. We

hold corporations accountable and fight for the justice Louisiana families deserve. Contact us

for a free consultation.