Go Back
EPA denies Cheniere Energy request for LNG pollution waiver
By AP News - Sep 07, 2022, 02:34 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 24, 2023, 12:10 PM EDT
Cheniere's request was to waive a rule that limits emissions of cancer-causing formaldehyde released by gas-fired turbines
The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday denied a
request by Cheniere Energy (NYSEAMERICAN: LNG), a
Sponsored
leading U.S. producer of liquefied natural gas, to exempt two Gulf Coast plants
By continuing to use this site, you agree to our terms and conditions
Cheniere's request to waive a rule that limits emissions of cancer-causing
formaldehyde released by gas-fired turbines. Dozens of turbine operators faced
a Monday deadline to comply with the formaldehyde rule, which is being
reinstated after an 18-year stay.
"Controlling emissions of formaldehyde is important to
protect public health. Though EPA is denying Cheniere's request for a special
subcategory to comply with the turbines rule, the agency will continue to work
with them and with other companies as needed to assure they meet Clean Air Act
obligations,'' EPA spokesman Tim Carroll said in an e-mail Tuesday.
Cheniere, the largest LNG exporter in the U.S., had
warned that new requirements on LNG plants in Texas and Louisiana could
disrupt gas supplies to Europe, which has struggled with surging energy prices
following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Strong disagreement
In a statement Tuesday, Cheniere said it strongly disagrees
with EPA's decision but will work with state and federal regulators to
"develop solutions that ensure compliance'' with the hazardous-pollution
rule.
"Our conviction remains that these emissions do not
pose a risk to public health, our workforce or the environment,'' company
spokesman Eben Burnham-Snyder said in an email. "Although
this decision may result in unwarranted expenditures, we believe that the
steps needed to come into full compliance will not result in a material
financial or operational impact. and that we will be able to continue to
reliably supply LNG to customers and countries around the world."
Environmental activists said Cheniere was using
the global gas shortage — and spiking prices in Europe — to try to avoid
meeting EPA rules that many consider lax.
"Because it's costly, Cheniere is asking for exemptions
to EPA rules so they can continue to release cancer-causing pollutants into our
communities — the same poor neighborhoods President (Joe) Biden has vowed to
protect," said James Hiatt of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, an activist
group that has worked with communities near oil refineries, chemical plants and
other manufacturers to fight pollution.
Petrochemical plants, pipeline operators and other
manufacturers will have to prove they've complied with EPA limits on
formaldehyde under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants, a 2004 rule that is being reinstated after an 18-year stay.
(Text and
images by AP)
Also
Read:
largest lake is so dry, China digs deep to water crops
says it is delivering packages with Rivian electric vans in push for net-zero
carbon emission
launch its two first ESG credit funds
raises $7.3 billion for climate fund in clean energy and sustainability push
Sponsored
Read More from Investing
Popular News
Latest News
