Houston Chronicle by Marissa Luck and Sergio Chapa June 12, 2019
A controversial $10 billion petrochemical project near Corpus Christi has achieved a major permitting milestone that will bring it a step closer to constructing the biggest petrochemical plant in Texas.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality granted air quality permits Wednesday for a Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, a joint venture of Exxon Mobil and the Saudi Arabian company SABIC, that is building the plant north of Corpus Christi between the towns of Gregory and Portland. The project includes the world's biggest ethane cracker, which processes ethane, a component of natural gas into ethylene, the primary building block of most plastics.
The project has faced stiff opposition from Gregory and Portland residents, worried about safety, pollution and the environment. Opponents are expected to request a rehearing on the decision.
Ilan Levin, attorney with one of the opposing groups Environment Integrity Project, said opponents are weighing their options. In addition to seeking a re-hearing, they could challenge the commission’s decision in a state court.
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https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Huge-Exxon-SABIC-petrochemical-project-near-13976638.php
