Should the federal government support a massive recycling plant in Erie that will make plastics for steelmaking? Julie GrantSeptember 23, 2024 Supporters see an opportunity to reuse plastic waste and create jobs, while some residents and environmental groups say it’s a bad idea. Climate ChangePollution
A new report says the promises of the plastic recycling industry don’t pan out for communities Kara HolsoppleJuly 19, 2024 The Ohio River Valley Institute’s report concludes chemical, or advanced recycling won’t solve the plastic pollution problem or create sustainable jobs. EconomyEnergyYour Environment Update
Activists celebrate as plans for a chemical recycling plant are canceled Kara HolsoppleApril 26, 2024 The proposed plant would have turned plastic waste into chemicals along the Susquehanna River. PollutionWaterYour Environment Update
Tiny plastic pieces top the list of trash on Great Lakes beaches Julie GrantApril 17, 2024 The nonprofit Alliance for the Great Lakes analyzed 20 years of data from volunteer beach cleanups. PollutionWaterYour Environment Update
Paused Ohio chemical recycling plant puts spotlight on Appalachia as ‘prime target’ for the controversial practice Kristina MarusicMarch 27, 2024 Chemical recycling uses heat, chemicals or both to break down plastic waste into component parts for reuse as plastic feedstocks or as fuel. Environmental JusticeHealthPollutionYour Environment Update
Taxpayers subsidize polluting plastics plants like Shell’s ethane cracker, report finds Reid FrazierMarch 19, 2024 Many plastics plants that have received tax incentives like Shell's Beaver County facility routinely break environmental laws. EnergyPollution
Allegheny County to consider ban on single-use plastic bags Julia ZenkevichOctober 26, 2023 The ordinance was introduced at a meeting Tuesday and referred to council’s committee on sustainability and green initiatives. Pollution
Plastic recycler plans to move ahead with Pa. plant after withdrawing key permit application Rachel McDevittOctober 25, 2023 The plant along the Susquehanna River in Northumberland County would break down plastics into chemical building blocks. Pollution
Groups threaten to sue Beaver County plastics manufacturer for releasing ‘nurdles’ into Ohio River tributary Reid FrazierOctober 3, 2023 The groups say they found plastic pellets called nurdles near the outfall of the Styropek plant along Raccoon Creek. PollutionWater
Pittsburgh is banning plastic bags next month. Here’s what you need to know. Oliver MorrisonSeptember 25, 2023 Pittsburgh's plastic bag ban goes into effect Oct. 14. Here’s what you can expect and need to know ahead of the rollout. Pollution
