"Pennsylvania’s First Proposed Chemical Recycling Plant Cancelled"

"Residents who fought Encina’s proposed plant in Point Township are celebrating the cancellation as a win for the environment and their health."

"Plans to build what would have been one of the largest chemical recycling plants in the country in Pennsylvania were canceled this week.

A Texas-based company called Encina first announced plans to build a facility that would convert waste plastic into chemicals that could be used to create more plastic in Point Township, Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Susquehanna River in 2022.

The project, which would have been the first chemical recycling facility in the state, faced intense opposition from residents in Point Township and surrounding communities due to concerns about toxic air and water emissions, negative climate impacts, and concerns that chemical recycling fails to actually reduce plastic waste.

On April 2, a local borough council voted unanimously to “strenuously and unequivocally” oppose the plant, and on April 18, Encina announced in a press release that the company “has decided not to proceed” with the construction of the plant, but will continue to pursue similar plants in other locations."

Kristina Marusic reports for Environmental Health News April 19, 2024.

Source: EHN, 04/22/2024