Exposure

Exposure Episode 9 - Smoke and Mirrors with James Yskamp


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Smoke and Mirrors: The Truth About Chemical Recycling with Attorney James Yskamp In this explosive episode of Exposure, we speak with environmental attorney James Yskamp of Earthjustice to uncover the truth behind so-called chemical recycling facilities—also known as pyrolysis and gasification plants. Marketed as green solutions to the plastic crisis, these facilities are often toxic incinerators in disguise, operating under "minor source" loopholes that allow them to pollute with little oversight.

James shares his firsthand legal experience with facilities like Altera in Akron, Ohio, and breaks down: How pyrolysis plants avoid Clean Air Act enforcement Why they're built in overburdened, majority-Black communities What the public can do to stop dangerous permits from being approved The truth about "advanced recycling" and plastic industry greenwashing

⚠️ ACTION ALERT: Submit Public Comment Altera's air permit is up for renewal. Submit your comment to oppose the permit and protect Akron residents. 📝 Permit Number: P0133062 📬 Mail to: Laura Miracle, ARAQMD Summit County Public Health 1867 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313 🔗 Resources and Citations: Earthjustice: https://earthjustice.org GAIA Report on Chemical Recycling: https://www.no-burn.org/chemical-recycling-us/ NRDC on Dangerous Deception: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/chemical-recycling-dangerous-deception EPA EJScreen Tool: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen 👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into fracking, petrochemicals, environmental justice, and corporate accountability. 🔔 Don't forget to like, share, and comment—especially if one of these facilities is coming to your community. 📍 Visit https://ohiovalleyallies.org to learn more and take action. #Pyrolysis #ChemicalRecycling #ToxicTruth #EnvironmentalJustice #ExposurePodcast #Earthjustice #PlasticPollution #Akron #CleanAirAct #OhioRiverValley #Pollution #Greenwashing #Fracking #EJ

Disclaimer: Exposure is an editorial and investigative journalism platform produced by Exposure Studios. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization or its affiliates. Our mission is to investigate and document the public impacts of extractive industries—including oil, gas, petrochemicals, and plastics—through in-depth interviews, research, and storytelling. We operate under the protections of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, particularly in our role as journalists critically examining matters of public concern, including government oversight, regulatory failure, and systemic accountability. The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational, educational, and documentary purposes, and to support public dialogue around necessary government action and intervention. We do not endorse unlawful activity or calls for individual action beyond civic engagement and lawful advocacy. We do not knowingly publish false or defamatory statements. All claims are grounded in publicly available records, firsthand accounts, expert interviews, or verified journalistic research. Where critical claims or allegations are made, we strive to provide accurate context and sourcing. As a platform committed to transparency and accuracy, we welcome feedback and corrections. If you believe a factual inaccuracy has occurred, please contact us at [email protected]. We will review concerns promptly and, if warranted, issue a correction. While Exposure covers high-stakes and often controversial topics, we do so as independent journalists focused on exposing breakdowns in public oversight and the consequences for communities. Our work is grounded in the pursuit of truth, public accountability, and the broader public interest—not in service to any political party, protest tactic, or private agenda

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ExposureBy Jill Hunkler and Stuart Day