Once again, Chester is targeted for a dangerous environmental project.

Penn America Energy LLC is considering building a liquified natural gas export terminal in Chester.

The terminal would export 7 million metric tons of LNG overseas yearly. LNG is volatile and dangerous and could leak toxic methane and cause fatal explosions.

There are roughly 33,000 citizens in Chester. About 80% are low-income African Americans.

Chester is the home of the Covanta Chester trash incinerator that handles waste from the entire county.

The sewage treatment plant receives all of Delaware County’s sewage.

Chester has numerous other waste processing plants, oil refineries and industrial polluters.

Residents face an overabundance of toxic environmental burdens, while more affluent, white towns and cities around it do not. This is environmental racism.

On Oct. 27, the PA Environmental Resources and Energy Committee met in Chester to discuss the export terminal.

Community members were not invited.

The League supports a transparent process where all stakeholders can participate.

What will the cumulative environmental impacts on the community be if the terminal is built? Energy exports will not decrease energy costs in Pennsylvania.

If there was an LNG explosion, what would be the evacuation plans? What would the added traffic do to an already strained road system if LNG is transported by truck?

There are far too many questions/issues for which the citizens of Chester need answers. Chester has heard promises before.

Chester needs more than lip service.

Kathy Cook,
League of Women Voters Pennsylvania, Environmental Policy Director
League of Women Voters of Central Delaware County