ExxonMobil sued over Baton Rouge chemical plant emissions
by Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
An environmental group claims the plant has continued to violate emissions regulations and didn't notify the state about the alleged infractions
BATON ROUGE, La.—An environmental group’s lawsuit claims ExxonMobil Corp. continues to violate Clean Air Act regulations despite a 2014 settlement over emissions from the company’s Baton Rouge chemical plant.
The Louisiana Environmental Action Network sued the company in federal court on March. 3. The suit alleges that pollution from the plant jeopardizes the health of nearby residents of a predominantly black, low-income area.
A 2014 settlement agreement with the state called for ExxonMobil to pay more than $2.3 million to resolve alleged permit violations over chemical releases and spills at four of its Louisiana facilities.
The group’s lawsuit claims the plant has continued to violate environmental regulations and failed to properly notify the state about the alleged infractions.
An ExxonMobil spokesman said the company has a “strong safety and environmental performance.”
