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Small Mississippi town to sue UK-owned biomass firm for permit that increases emissions
Residents of a small Mississippi town are taking Drax Biomass, the UK-based company behind a wood pellet production plant, to court after it was granted a permit despite previous concerns over its environmental impact.
The decision to grant the Amite county facility, which produces pellets used as fuel in Drax's power station in England, has been met with criticism from local residents and advocacy groups who claim that the permits were issued without sufficient consideration for their health and wellbeing.
For years, the community of Gloster has struggled with serious adverse health consequences caused by the operation of the plant. The town has seen an increase in respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and other health issues linked to air pollution from the facility.
The lawsuit claims that the permit granted to Drax Biomass allows for excessive levels of chemicals and pollutants, which have coated residents' homes and put them at greater risk of diseases like cancer.
"We're taking on a multibillion-dollar corporation that's putting lives in danger," said Letitia Johnson, an attorney with Singleton Schreiber representing the Gloster community.
Local residents reported feeling dizzy, getting headaches, and experiencing respiratory problems since the facility opened a decade ago. The town has become so polluted that some have chosen to leave due to the hazardous conditions.
"This is about holding a foreign corporation accountable for poisoning our community," Johnson added.
Critics of Drax's practices claim that the company's subsidies in the UK are funded by environmental degradation and "environmental racism" that disproportionately affects low-income communities like Gloster.
Residents of a small Mississippi town are taking Drax Biomass, the UK-based company behind a wood pellet production plant, to court after it was granted a permit despite previous concerns over its environmental impact.
The decision to grant the Amite county facility, which produces pellets used as fuel in Drax's power station in England, has been met with criticism from local residents and advocacy groups who claim that the permits were issued without sufficient consideration for their health and wellbeing.
For years, the community of Gloster has struggled with serious adverse health consequences caused by the operation of the plant. The town has seen an increase in respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and other health issues linked to air pollution from the facility.
The lawsuit claims that the permit granted to Drax Biomass allows for excessive levels of chemicals and pollutants, which have coated residents' homes and put them at greater risk of diseases like cancer.
"We're taking on a multibillion-dollar corporation that's putting lives in danger," said Letitia Johnson, an attorney with Singleton Schreiber representing the Gloster community.
Local residents reported feeling dizzy, getting headaches, and experiencing respiratory problems since the facility opened a decade ago. The town has become so polluted that some have chosen to leave due to the hazardous conditions.
"This is about holding a foreign corporation accountable for poisoning our community," Johnson added.
Critics of Drax's practices claim that the company's subsidies in the UK are funded by environmental degradation and "environmental racism" that disproportionately affects low-income communities like Gloster.
i mean, air pollution from wood pellets is def not good for ur lungs or heart u guys. the ppl r sayin its like 2 much & the company gotta step up their game 
and btw, drax biomasses profits are fundin environmental degradation in other countries like gloster too 
that's straight fire 
they deserve better. hope this lawsuit goes in their favor 