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Environment

Polluter’s Paradise

Environmental Impact in Louisiana

The petrochemical industry has grown in Louisiana, with more plants on the way, but the state’s environmental regulations haven’t kept up.

16 stories published since 2019

Air Quality Regulators in “Cancer Alley” Have Fallen Dangerously Behind

Permit for Controversial $9 Billion Plastics Plant in “Chemical Alley” to Be Put on Hold

How Louisiana Lawmakers Stop Residents’ Efforts to Fight Big Oil and Gas

How Oil Companies Avoided Environmental Accountability After 10.8 Million Gallons Spilled

How an Environmental Regulator Became Known for Protecting Industry

In “Cancer Alley,” Toxic Polluters Face Little Oversight From Environmental Regulators

Chemical Companies Are Building Their Plants Overseas and Shipping Them Back In. They Still Get State Tax Breaks.

Health Officials in “Cancer Alley” Will Study if Living Near a Controversial Chemical Plant Causes Cancer

What Could Happen if a $9.4 Billion Chemical Plant Comes to “Cancer Alley”

New EPA Rules Aim to Reduce Toxic Emissions. But Many “Cancer Alley” Chemical Plants Won’t Have to Change.

Even Louisiana’s Wealthier Neighborhoods Can’t Escape Toxic Air in “Cancer Alley”

Welcome to “Cancer Alley,” Where Toxic Air Is About to Get Worse

Why Louisiana’s Air Quality Is Going From Bad to Worse, in 3 Charts

How We Found New Chemical Plants Are Being Built in South Louisiana’s Most Polluted Areas

I’ve Investigated Industrial Pollution for 35 Years. We’re Going Backwards.

In a Notoriously Polluted Area of the Country, Massive New Chemical Plants Are Still Moving In

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

Photo of Sharon Lerner
Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

Photo of Melissa Sanchez
Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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