Another Advocate editorial supporting economics only.
Pity poor St. James Parish, in the crosshairs of a powerful member of Congress who is not from Louisiana and seems to care little for the economic and social benefits of a major new industrial expansion in the parish. We hope that the new Formosa Plastics plants succeeds.
the advocate
I guess social does not seem to include health. Once again health is ignored and it is a cost of operation these plants.
“Environmental justice” appears also to be beyond the ken of the vast majority of St. James Parish leaders right up to Gov. John Bel Edwards. We urge Formosa and local officials, including Edwards, to persist in their efforts. In the latest charge of “environmental justice” activism, the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources and one of his colleagues urged President Joe Biden to “permanently revoke” wetlands permits for the $9.4 billion Formosa Plastics complex. We hope that the president does not take the advice of Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Arizona.
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice emerged as a concept in the United States in the early 1980s. The term has two distinct uses with the more common usage describing a social movement that focuses on the “fair” distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. The other use is an interdisciplinary body of social science literature that includes theories of the environment and justice, environmental laws and their implementations, environmental policy and planning and governance for development and sustainability, and political ecology.
Wikipedia
We read how there is a program to make sure all is well and above board in the permitting process. We learn of the economic benefits of the plant. We learn that St James Parish wants it. Se learn that fossil fuels are under attack. We learn that the attacks against this plant have risen to a new level. We learn that plastics are a way of life and so some cost must be borne.
By all means, make Formosa obey the law on emissions and other matters. Citizens can, and should, voice specific concerns about pollution and address economic impact and jobs. But let that process play out, Mr. President. Listen to local input from residents as well as judgments by scientists and engineers evaluating this project.
But don’t hurt the economy of a state that is backing a product that is being phased out, not entirely but in many ways. I look forward to the day they support renewables.
