Residents of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, a town already burdened by pollution from numerous petrochemical plants and refineries, are expressing growing apprehension about a proposed carbon capture and storage project. While the Biden administration and the oil industry promote the initiative as a crucial step to combat climate change, local activists, particularly within the Black community, are voicing strong opposition.

The project aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions from these plants and store them underground. However, Donaldsonville, often referred to as "Cancer Alley" due to high cancer rates, is wary of further environmental risks. Activists like Ashley Gaignard, who voted for Biden in 2020, argue that the project prioritizes politics over the well-being of the community. They express distrust, citing the existing heavy industrial presence near homes, churches, and schools.

The CF Industries fertilizer complex in Donaldsonville, La. (Emily Kask for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Beverly Wright, executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, shares these concerns, calling the project an "experiment" being conducted on communities already suffering from the impacts of the oil and gas industry. Another resident, Chad Ross, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the existing pollution burden and the lack of trust in the companies involved.

Ashley Gaignard at her home in Donaldsonville, La. (Photo by Emily Kask for the Washington Post via Getty Images)

The EPA maintains that public input is welcome and that environmental justice considerations are central to the proposal process. They point to extensive collaboration with Louisiana state officials to address these concerns. Donaldsonville's mayor, Leroy Sullivan, supports the project, citing the potential economic benefits for a town facing significant poverty. Developers have pledged millions in donations for community programs if the project proceeds.

President Biden in the Oval Office. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

This project forms part of Biden's broader climate agenda, which includes achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. The initiative has received substantial funding, with millions allocated to carbon storage projects across several states. However, the project continues to face pushback from environmental groups and community members who remain unconvinced of its safety and long-term impact.