EPA approves ExxonMobil Baytown expansion project

28-May-14

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a final notice of decision for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) for greenhouse gas (GHG) construction permit for the ExxonMobil Olefins Plant in Baytown, Texas. The company proposes to construct a new ethylene production unit consisting of eight ethylene cracking furnaces and recovery equipment to produce polymer-grade ethylene. “We are working to control greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy in the new projects coming to communities across Texas,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “These projects show that economic development and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand.” On Nov. 25, 2013, EPA issued a final permit to the facility. The permit was appealed to EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board, which denied review of the petition on May 14, 2014. On May 14, EPA finalized the permit allowing ExxonMobil to begin construction of the project. The project is part of a multibillion-dollar expansion project in Baytown. It’s estimated to create 10,000 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs.