Overview

• Petrochemical companies along the Gulf Coast have received nearly $9 billion in tax breaks since 2012 for plastics production, despite frequent pollution permit violations.
• The Environmental Integrity Project report highlights that 84% of the operations exceeded allowed air pollutant levels, impacting marginalized communities.
• Tax incentives are given without requiring compliance with state pollution control permits, raising concerns over subsidizing companies that violate environmental laws.
• Proposed expansions in Texas include 42 new plastics plants, with significant environmental and health implications for local communities.
• Critics argue for making subsidies conditional on environmental compliance, suggesting that companies failing to adhere to laws should not benefit from taxpayer money.