We Have a Plastic Pollution Problem
Petrochemicals are bad for people and for the planet.
We must act now to keep petrochemical sites
out of communities.
What are Petrochemicals?
Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from oil and fracked gas.
Fossil fuel companies extract these raw materials from the Earth and convert them into chemicals used to make plastic and other products like fertilizers and detergents.
Watch “What Are Petrochemicals?” to learn more.
Why are petrochemicals so dangerous?
Petrochemicals harm public health and the environment at every stage of the process — from extraction and production to use and disposal.
Petrochemical facilities release pollutants that contaminate our land, water, and air, and cause serious, sometimes deadly, health issues.
Learn more in “The True Environmental Impact of Petrochemicals.”
Petrochemical Production
There are more than 120 proposed petrochemical projects in the United States today, and fossil fuel companies are working to try to create a second “petrochemicals hub” in Appalachia.
Learn how companies are trying to use Pennsylvania’s resources to expand the fossil fuel industry. Watch “Petrochemicals and Pennsylvania.”
Creating A More Sustainable Future
By transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we can protect ourselves and our land, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Spotlight on Shell
The Shell Polymers Monaca plant shows just how massive the industry’s appetite is – and how devastating it is for nearby communities and ecosystems.
The Shell location in Beaver County has its own rail line and is capable of producing more than 1.6 million metric tons of plastic each year.
After just a few months of operations, the plant has already exceeded permit limits for dangerous pollutants and volatile organic compounds.
At the same time, it has failed to keep nearby residents and regulators informed of loud noises, noxious odors, lighting issues, and other issues that are impacting the safety and quality of life of nearby communities as legally required.
No More Petrochemicals
Clean Air Action is fighting to curb reliance on fossil fuels and petrochemical production on three critical fronts:
Stopping New Petrochemical Facilities
Through community events, advocacy, lobbying, and education, we demand lawmakers stop the expansion of harmful petrochemical facilities, and empower residents and affected groups to fight back against a well-funded fossil fuel industry.
Holding Petrochemical Operators Accountable
We work to ensure fossil fuel operators work within approved permit limits and hold them accountable to the communities they impact.
Redefining Our Reliance on Plastics
The harms of plastic production on public health and the environment are well established.
Reducing or eliminating our reliance on single-use plastic products can positively impact our planet and lead to a sustainable, greener future for all.
Keep Fracking Away From Our Homes and Schools
Research shows that living within at least 2,500 feet of fracking infrastructure exposes residents to unsafe levels of pollution linked to cancer, asthma, impacts on birth outcomes, and other serious health problems.
Every day, residents’ health and safety are at risk due to outdated laws. We need strong, common sense buffers to better protect residents from the impacts of this infrastructure.