Peters to Demand Investigation into Health, Environmental Impact of Petroleum Coke

Press Release

As petroleum coke piles continue to grow along the Detroit River, U.S. Representative Gary Peters today will go to the House Floor to urge Congress to investigate the health and environmental implications of coking byproducts. The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on expediting the permit approval for the Keystone Pipeline, which would transport Canadian tar sands oil to be refined in the U.S., creating more petroleum byproduct or pet coke. Peters offered an amendment requiring a study into potential air and water contamination from pet coke, which was blocked from being included in the larger bill.

Today, Peters will demand Congress take the responsible course of action, reject the rule, and adopt his common-sense amendment to study the effects of the waste byproduct the pipeline will create.

"How can Washington in good faith move forward with a project that would create mountains of a waste byproduct without examining the potential health risks?" asked U.S. Congressman Gary Peters. "Michiganders have to bear witness every day to the blight pet coke piles are imposing on the Detroit River waterfront. It is irresponsible to proceed without assessing the implications an increased levels of pet coke would mean for air and water quality and the health and well-being of communities in direct proximity to the waste byproduct.

Peters continued, "I urge Congress to adopt this common-sense amendment to ensure we have the basic facts we need to make an informed decision about the health risks from pet coke and take the necessary precautions to protect our families and natural resources like the Great Lakes from the threat of contamination."

Peters continues to express concern over the risk factors pet coke piles pose on community health. Earlier this week, Peters pressed the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) about measures taken to protect the Detroit River and prevent runoff and storm water contamination. In March, Peters and Conyers spearheaded a letter inquiring about the health and environmental threat of the growing coke pet piles along the riverfront. The New York Times recently highlighted the environmental and economic challenge the Koch Brothers' owned pet coke piles present to Detroit.

Peters is an outstanding advocate for protecting Michigan natural resources, especially the Detroit River and Great Lakes. He fought to protect federal investments in the Great Lakes Restoration Fund that supports critical infrastructure projects in the Clinton River Watershed.

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