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Action Alert from the Concerned Ohio River Residents (CORR), March 8, 2021
A proposed legislative change could place the health of Ohio’s frontline communities at risk. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) is seeking a revision to Ohio law that would allow for the automatic extension of air permits-to-install (PTI) for major polluting facilities, potentially threatening local air quality and eliminating opportunities for public input.
Click here to demand the U.S. EPA deny Ohio EPA’s request to allow the indefinite extension of permits for major polluting facilities under appeal. Current Ohio law requires corporations to begin constructing major polluting facilities no more than 30 months after receiving air permits-to-install (PTI) to ensure that major sources of air pollution are constructed with up-to-date pollution control standards and current air quality information.
The proposed revision would allow for the automatic extension of an installation permit by the length of time a permit was under third-party appeal, which could range from 6 months to more than 3 years. In essence, the law could allow major polluting facilities to operate under aging air regulations with outdated pollution control technology, potentially endangering local residents’ health. Additionally, automatic extensions of air permits-to-install do not require the distribution of a public notice, nor do they require OEPA to accept and address public concerns, effectively shutting citizens out of the decision-making process.
If approved, the legislative revision could allow PTT Global Chemical, the Thai corporation constructing the Dilles Bottom ethane cracker plant, to automatically extend its air permit through February 24, 2022 without any input from surrounding communities. The facility, which could annually release hundreds of tons of hazardous airborne pollutants linked to a host of serious health problems, would also not be subject to the latest pollution control standards.
When toxic, polluting facilities can’t meet their deadlines, Ohio’s general assembly changes state law to support speculative development. Why are corporate profits being prioritized over citizens’ safety? We demand better from our legislators and regulatory agencies.
Please join us in demanding the U.S. EPA deny the Ohio EPA’s request to revise the state implementation plan, allowing for the indefinite extension of permits for major polluting facilities under appeal. We are also asking for a public hearing on the implications of this revision and an extension of the 30-day comment period.
Click here to submit your comments to the U.S. EPA. You do not have to be an Ohio resident to submit comments.
Contact Us: Check out CORR’s website at www.concernedohioriverresidents.org for updates, analyses, and events.
Email: general@concernedohioriverresidents.org
Address: Concerned Ohio River Residents P.O. Box 135 Bridgeport, OH 43912
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