Probing the Biden Administration: A Fabricated Paper Trail and the Shutdown of a Chemical Plant

The Biden administration has been under scrutiny for its apparent actions in fabricating a paper trail to shut down a chemical plant in Louisiana. Republican lawmakers, led by the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, have raised concerns that the administration may have violated scientific integrity policies in the process.

The controversy surrounds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its actions regarding the Denka Performance Elastomer (DPE) manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. The EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) has been accused of ghostwriting an email, which was sent from the email address of EPA Region 6 science liaison Michael Morton, withdrawing a request for a scientific review of the cancer risk assessment of the chemical chloroprene.

The revelations suggest that ORD officials may have authored the email on behalf of Region 6, which had previously determined a scientific review was necessary. This practice, known as ‘ghostwriting,’ raises serious concerns that could amount to a violation of the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy.

The policy prohibits all EPA employees, including scientists, managers, and other Agency leadership, from suppressing, altering, or otherwise impeding the timely release of scientific findings or conclusions. Furthermore, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Scientific Integrity Policy states that scientists’ ability to freely voice legitimate disagreement that improves science should not be constrained.

The Denka factory in Reserve, Louisiana, is a significant driver of jobs and investment in the state. It is also the only U.S. plant to produce neoprene, a synthetic rubber common in military equipment, wetsuits, and medical technology. The multi-billion-dollar petrochemical industry in Louisiana is a key driver of jobs and investment in the state, making up the third-largest consumer of petroleum and the largest consumer of petroleum per capita in the nation.

However, the petrochemical industry has long been a target of environmentalists who argue it is responsible for harmful emissions and pollution negatively impacting surrounding communities’ health. If the Justice Department’s lawsuit is successful, it could threaten the future operations of the DPE’s LaPlace facility and set a precedent broadly threatening the multi-billion-dollar U.S. petrochemical industry.

The controversy comes as the Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of various scientific and environmental issues. The administration’s proposed policies on fossil fuels, natural gas projects, and climate change have been met with opposition from both sides of the political spectrum.

The Republican lawmakers have demanded answers from EPA Administrator Michael Regan and have requested a review of the matter by the EPA’s Office of the Inspector General. The EPA has declined to comment, citing pending litigation in the case.

The incident highlights the importance of transparency and scientific integrity in government decision-making. It also underscores the need for a rigorous and unbiased scientific review process to ensure that public health and safety are protected while also allowing for the continued operation of essential industries.

In conclusion, the fabricated paper trail surrounding the Denka Performance Elastomer manufacturing facility in Louisiana raises serious concerns about scientific integrity and the potential for political interference in the scientific review process. The controversy also highlights the importance of transparency and the need for a rigorous and unbiased scientific review process to protect public health and safety while allowing for the continued operation of essential industries.

The Biden administration’s handling of this issue will be closely watched by both sides of the political spectrum, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of the petrochemical industry and the role of science in government decision-making.