West Virginia University study finds microplastic pollution in Appalachian streams
The study found widespread microplastic pollution across some Appalachian streams, which poses ecological and public health risks.
plastics
Plans for Erie recycling plant scrapped. Company blames Trump tariffs and cutbacks
The International Recycling Group cites Trump tariffs and the hold-up of a federal loan guarantee from the Inflation Reduction Act as reasons for canceling its plans.
Scientists want to monitor microplastics in the Great Lakes. Here’s why it matters
A board of scientists has proposed a system to monitor microplastics in the Great Lakes. Currently, there’s no coordinated, regional effort to do so.
2 years after train derailment in East Palestine, some residents worry about liver disease
Researchers are tracking some residents who became sick from contamination from the derailment and chemical releases for long-term health impacts like liver disease.
Should the federal government support a massive recycling plant in Erie that will make plastics for steelmaking?
Supporters see an opportunity to reuse plastic waste and create jobs, while some residents and environmental groups say it’s a bad idea.
A new report says the promises of the plastic recycling industry don’t pan out for communities
The Ohio River Valley Institute’s report concludes chemical, or advanced recycling won’t solve the plastic pollution problem or create sustainable jobs.
Activists celebrate as plans for a chemical recycling plant are canceled
The proposed plant would have turned plastic waste into chemicals along the Susquehanna River.
Tiny plastic pieces top the list of trash on Great Lakes beaches
The nonprofit Alliance for the Great Lakes analyzed 20 years of data from volunteer beach cleanups.
Paused Ohio chemical recycling plant puts spotlight on Appalachia as ‘prime target’ for the controversial practice
Chemical recycling uses heat, chemicals or both to break down plastic waste into component parts for reuse as plastic feedstocks or as fuel.
Taxpayers subsidize polluting plastics plants like Shell’s ethane cracker, report finds
Many plastics plants that have received tax incentives like Shell's Beaver County facility routinely break environmental laws.
