Take 2 Minutes to Submit a Public Comment!
On September 30, 2026, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will host a public hearing in Akron on its proposal to incorporate the controversial plastic pyrolysis facility, Alterra Energy, into Ohio’s state plan to meet federal air quality requirements. The Ohio EPA announced the hearing and extended the public comment period after community advocates pushed for greater transparency and accountability.
The hearing, which will take place at 6 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library in Meeting Room 2AB, will give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the Ohio EPA’s recommendations for air pollution control equipment for Alterra. Individuals can also submit written public comments online until September 30 at 5 p.m.
The Big Love Network, People Over Polymers, People Over Petro Coalition, the Buckeye Environmental Network, the Akron NAACP, and Akron Community Action Network are calling on community members to attend the public hearing and submit a letter of opposition online. Please consider canvassing/phone banking with us or donate today to help us ensure those directly impacted community members can make it the 5 miles to the hearing.
This Ohio EPA action was prompted because Alterra produces significant amounts of pollutants called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a type of pollutant that contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone can cause health problems such as difficulty breathing and worsened lung diseases, and is linked to the development of asthma. To comply with federal law, the Ohio EPA is requesting approval of its proposed best pollution control technology for Alterra’s VOC emissions.
Alterra is one of only six plastic pyrolysis facilities operating in the United States. Community groups such as Big Love Network, the Akron NAACP, and Akron Community Action Network have repeatedly raised concerns about Alterra being improperly regulated by the Ohio EPA, leading to negative health impacts in the adjacent, predominately Black neighborhood of East Akron. From May to mid-June of 2025, more than 1,000 community members submitted comments regarding Alterra’s harmful pollution in East Akron. The Ohio EPA has yet to respond to these public comments or release the final air permit renewal.
The Cleveland area has struggled to meet ozone air quality standards over the past decade, triggering stricter federal regulations in the region. Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced in June 2026 that the Cleveland area had returned to a healthy ozone level, the Ohio EPA must still submit plans to manage VOC emissions for certain facilities in the region, including Alterra.
Are you a resident of East Akron/Joy Park? Do you need assistance getting to the public hearing? Please email us today so we can assist you!
Thank you for your time and commitment to our beloved community!
Sincerly,
Beth Vild
COO/Director of Programming
The Big Love Network
bigloveakron@gmail.com
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