EPA Lawsuit Chloroprene
Denka Performance Elastomer LLC makes synthetic rubber, emitting the carcinogen chloroprene, in such high concentrations that it poses an unacceptable cancer risk, according to the federal complaint. Children are particularly vulnerable. There’s an elementary school a half-mile from the plant. “The company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of the surrounding community,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.Every community, no matter its demographics, should be able to breathe clean air and drink clean water, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said. “Our suit aims to stop Denka’s dangerous pollution,”' she said.
Last year, the EPA said it had evidence that Black residents face an increased cancer risk from the chemical plant and that state officials allowed the pollution to remain too high. The agency's letter is part of an investigation under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which says anyone who receives federal funds cannot discriminate based on race or national origin.