Success: Dangerous Plastics Plant Put on Indefinite Hold

Target: Bev Reed, Organizer, Concerned Ohio River Residents

Goal: Praise the efforts of steadfast activists to halt construction of an environment-destroying plastics plant.

A plastics plant under development in Belmont County, Ohio, has been indefinitely delayed, due in part to the actions of dedicated activists and to the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plant would be a danger to the health of Ohio River Valley residents, contribute to catastrophic plastic levels in our oceans, and ultimately harm the economy of northern Appalachia. The suspension of further development is a welcome victory to residents of the area, environmentalists, and those who signed this petition.

Appalachia has suffered significant consequences from the collapse of region-dominating industries like coal mining, and the jobs offered by this plant, built by Thai company PTTGC America, would come nowhere near solving the region’s economic troubles. At the same time, it would promote the further exploitation of natural gas, increase air pollution from toxic fumes, and poison local waterways with unavoidable chemical waste.

Although the fight is far from over, this is a great success for the environment and for people everywhere. Sign the petition below to thank those who have struggled for this victory.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Reed,

The tireless efforts of your group and its allies to stop the construction of the plastics manufacturing plant in Belmont County, Ohio is an inspiration to all who care about the environment and the people of Appalachia. While PTTGC America’s efforts were already threatened by growing awareness of the danger posed by their industry, the work of your group and others like it has been vital in bringing greater awareness of the dangers of their product to the world.

Thank you and your fellow activists for the important work you have done.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Dick Elbers