Beaver County, PA — Yesterday evening, concerned residents and environmental groups packed a hearing to give public comment against an updated Title V air quality permit for Shell’s Beaver County methane plastics plant. Governor Shapiro’s Department of Environmental Protection is poised to approve Shell’s updated permit, despite numerous environmental violations. Among other things, Shell exceeded its emissions limits for nitrogen oxides — a known danger to human health and a key component of smog — for four consecutive months between 2025 and 2026.

Yesterday’s meeting was a precursor to the larger Title V hearing occurring this summer, where DEP will determine whether to officially reissue the air quality permit Shell requires to operate. The updated permit under review would include greater allowances for emissions releases and increases in flaring of methane gas.

“Any approval of Shell’s air quality permit is an approval for Shell to keep polluting Beaver County, rubber-stamped by Shapiro’s DEP. Residents are breathing hazardous chemicals on a daily basis as Shell violates environmental regulations time and time again without serious repercussions — we’ve had enough,” said Food & Water Watch Western Pennsylvania Organizer David Pfister. “The governor and his regulators must prioritize our communities’ health above the petrochemical industry by denying air quality permits for Shell’s cracker plant.”

“My doctor called me a canary in a coal mine,” said Beaver County resident Brooke Hamberger who has experienced health-related symptoms correlated to Shell’s flaring events. “The proposed permit would raise the allowable limits of dangerous gases and particulate matter. Why would we accept even more toxic emissions? We need greater transparency on the health impacts of what Shell is already putting into our air.”

“The DEP is encouraged to measure the history of Shell’s violations against the integrity of the petrochemical industry,” said Beaver County resident EJ Pavlinich. “There is no guarantee they will operate within these newly expanded limitations that guarantee even greater pollution — and thus greater health risks. Stop protecting polluters and start protecting Pennsylvanians.” 

“Shell Polymers Monaca already has a history of exceeding its pollution limits, which represent increased health risks for nearby communities. Its previous violations include excess emissions of known human carcinogens, including benzene,” said Environmental Health Project Executive Director, Alison L. Steele. “If this Title V permit is issued, we can expect more emissions—and more health risks—as a result of higher pollution limits.” 

“Why should the DEP accommodate a company that has not demonstrated the ability—or willingness—to comply with existing law?” said Debra Smit, director of communications for Breathe Project. “Shell is effectively moving the goalposts on air quality permits, seeking to increase allowable emissions after failing to meet existing limits. The DEP has the authority—and the obligation—to require the cessation of unlawful operations and demand enforceable, transparent limits.”

DEP officials previously stated that Shell’s increased emissions would not exceed federal air quality rules — rules that have been incapacitated under President Trump’s second term. Southwest Pennsylvania has some of the nation’s worst air quality, which has been repeatedly linked to premature deaths in the region.