“EPA to Revoke Chevron’s Approval for Cancer-Linked Plastic-Based Fuels” 2024-09-30

(EPA) is set to withdraw its approval for Chevron to produce 18 plastic-based fuels, some of which have been identified as having a significant cancer risk. This decision follows an investigation by ProPublica and the Guardian, which revealed that an internal assessment by the EPA raised serious concerns about the potential health impacts of these fuels. In a recent court filing, the EPA expressed "substantial concerns" that the original approval may have been granted in error. The agency had previously authorized a Chevron refinery in Mississippi to manufacture these chemicals in 2022 as part of a "climate-friendly" initiative aimed at promoting alternatives to petroleum. The EPA's reconsideration of this approval highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the environmental and health implications of new chemical products, particularly those derived from plastics.

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Question 1: What recent action is the EPA planning to take regarding Chevron's plastic-based fuels?

The EPA is planning to withdraw and reconsider its approval for Chevron to produce 18 plastic-based fuels, which have been found to have a high cancer risk.

Question 2: What prompted the EPA to reconsider its approval of Chevron's fuels?

A ProPublica and Guardian investigation revealed that one of the fuels had a significant cancer risk, leading the EPA to express "substantial concerns" about the approval order.

Question 3: When did the EPA initially approve Chevron's production of these fuels?

The EPA initially approved Chevron's production of the plastic-based fuels in 2022 under a "climate-friendly" initiative aimed at promoting alternatives to petroleum.

Question 4: Where is the Chevron refinery located that was given approval to produce these fuels?

The Chevron refinery that received approval is located in Mississippi.

Question 5: What is the significance of the EPA's recent court filing regarding Chevron's fuels?

The court filing indicates that the EPA believes the approval may have been made in error, highlighting the agency's concerns about the potential health risks associated with the fuels.