ST. JAMES PARISH, La. (WGNO) — The 19th Judicial District Court in Louisiana has granted Formosa Plastics the air permit that was needed to build a petrochemical plant in St. James Parish.
The court ruled to overturn a judge’s previous decision to toss the permit in 2022.
Environmental justice group, Rise St. James, argued that there are too many chemical plants in the area that’s already nicknamed “Cancer Alley.”
The group has been fighting the building of the plant since it was introduced in 2018.
Leaders said the $9.4 billion plant will consist of 10 chemical manufacturing plants and various support facilities, covering 2,400 acres, equaling the size of 1,181 football fields.
The building site encompasses the former Buena Vista plantation and an unmarked cemetery.
Members of Rise St. James said the decision now grants Formosa Plastics authority to emit over 800 tons per year of toxic chemicals, including almost 45 tons of two pollutants recognized as carcinogens and to release 13.6 million tons of greenhouse gases yearly.
They added that the plant will be located one mile away from the sole elementary school in the parish and in close proximity to Welcome, Louisiana, a community of color. The town’s population is 99% minority, with 87% being Black. Many residents are said to be the descendants of former slaves at the Buena Vista plantation.
In 2023, parish citizens filed a lawsuit against officials citing allegations of environmental racism and violations of the 13 and 14 Amendments. They say “the land use system represents ‘the continuing vestiges of slavery,’ and claiming the system violates the Equal Protection Clause and the right to bodily integrity.”
Founder & Director of RISE St. James, released a statement on the recent decision:
“Once again, the state of Louisiana prioritizes polluters over people, but this battle extends beyond Louisiana. We stand at the forefront of climate change, embodying America’s authentic struggle for climate and environmental justice. Living next to Formosa Plastics, with the perpetual risk to our health, livelihood, security and hard-earned property is beyond our imagination. Formosa Plastics would wipe the 5th district of St. James off the map, adding to the number of historically black communities that have become extinct due to the intrusion of petrochemical industries.
The recent court ruling has left us disheartened and grappling to understand, yet we draw strength from supporting each other during these challenging days. We assert our right to clean and healthy air, unwavering in our commitment to prevent our communities from becoming sacrifice zones for industry.
Our enslaved ancestors toiled the land, aspiring to pass it on and leave it better than they found it. In 2021, the Army Corps of Engineers ordered an environmental impact study to assess cumulative impacts; For the time being, we plan to actively engage with the Army Corps of Engineers and request to get involved in drafting the study.
With unwavering faith, we assert confidently that Formosa Plastics will not establish a presence in St. James Parish under our watch. We express our deep appreciation for the steadfast support of our attorneys, researchers, communications team, the environmental justice community, and friends. During these times, we can only hold fast to our faith – 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.”
Sharon Lavigne, Founder & Director of RISE St. James
Group leaders said they’re now escalating their appeal to President Joe Biden.
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