Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry in LaPlace to address EPA’s ‘attack’ on Denka plant

LAPLACE, La. (WGNO) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is traveling to LaPlace for a news conference at the site of the Denka Performance Elastomer on Monday, July 1.

Joined by Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto and Attorney General Liz Murrill, Landry will discuss the EPA’s “attack” on Denka and Louisiana’s legal battle to save Louisiana Industry.

The Denka plant’s opening has been the center of controversy between state officials and residents in the area as they have made claims of the toxic chemicals being dumped into the waters.

The area in which the plant is located, a predominantly Black community, has often been referred to as “Cancer Alley” due to the release of emissions into the air.

In May, the plant threatened to shut down if the Environmental Protection Agency didn’t relax its demands to reduce emissions.

On Oct. 26, 2022, the EPA proposed the closing of an elementary school in the area due to its close proximity to the plant citing the high levels of the carcinogen being released.

The plant manufactures neoprene, the material used to make wetsuits, automotive belts and other items.