In Louisiana we're back to hitting all the regular metrics. And then some, really.
The combination of air pollution and poverty is triggering higher rates of cancer in Louisiana, according to a new study led by the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic.
Released this week, the study indicates low-income communities with high levels of toxic air pollution had average cancer rates of about 515 cases per 100,000 residents. That’s statistically higher than the 482-case average statewide and the 487-case average for low-income areas with less air pollution.
Speaking of the regular metrics, here is an article from last weekend that takes a look at how Formosa Petrochemical is meeting the requirements to maintain its generous tax incentives granted by the state to build a new plastics plant in St. James Parish. From the looks of things, they're meeting them by getting a grace period added.
Negotiated starting in 2014 as a potential project, Formosa's ITEP application was submitted June 23, 2016, for construction to begin in June 2019 and wrap up by June 2022. The Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry approved the 100% property tax abatement in April 2018.
While the investment decision has been pushed back since 2016, the overarching umbrella contract with the state, known as a cooperative endeavor agreement signed in 2017, isn't slated to have all the incentives expire until 2024 if the complex is not operational by then.
With that date still three years out, it's possible that the state could amend the cooperative endeavor agreement with dates extending further out that also would apply to the property tax and other incentives contained in the overall contract. That would only require an administrative review and process that would not be open to public comment or debate, according to the Louisiana Economic Development department.
Despite overwhelming opposition from the community there and from environmental groups all over Louisiana, and beyond, there remains every expectation that the plant will eventually be built. And then the healing can continue.
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