Republican leaders on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee have launched an investigation into the Biden administration’s actions surrounding a chemical plant shutdown in Louisiana. The probe comes after allegations of the administration fabricating a paper trail to support the closure. The chemical plant, owned by synthetics manufacturer Denka Performance Elastomer (DPE), has been sued by the Department of Justice for its emissions of chloroprene, a chemical deemed unsafe by a 2010 study.
In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, Environment Subcommittee Chair Max Miller and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chair Brian Babin requested more information regarding the EPA’s actions leading up to the lawsuit. The lawmakers cited a report that revealed deposition testimony from an EPA Region 6 official, Michael Morton, who denied authoring an email calling off a review of chloroprene. The email, which was later found to have been authored by EPA officials, was used to withdraw the nomination of chloroprene for review.
The revelations suggest that EPA officials may have engaged in “ghostwriting” to create a fabricated scientific record, potentially silencing scientific opinions that differ from the agency’s public position. Miller and Babin raised concerns about a possible violation of EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy, which prohibits suppressing or altering scientific findings. They also called for the EPA’s Office of the Inspector General to conduct a review of the matter.
If successful, the Justice Department’s lawsuit against DPE could have significant implications for the petrochemical industry in Louisiana. The DPE facility in LaPlace is the only U.S. plant producing neoprene, a synthetic rubber used in military equipment, wetsuits, and medical technology. The closure of the facility could threaten jobs and investment in the state, as well as set a precedent that impacts the broader U.S. petrochemical industry.
The petrochemical industry in Louisiana has long been a target of environmentalists who argue that it contributes to harmful emissions and pollution, negatively affecting the health of surrounding communities. However, it is also a crucial driver of jobs and investment in the state, making it a complex issue with significant economic and environmental implications.
The investigation by Republican leaders highlights ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and Republicans over environmental policies. It adds to the broader political landscape surrounding the current administration’s approach to issues such as climate change and regulation of industries like petrochemicals.
As the probe continues, it remains to be seen how the allegations against the Biden administration will be addressed and what impact they may have on the future of the petrochemical industry in Louisiana.
