Profit for me, pollution for thee in Louisiana  

“Deregulation.” “Opportunity.” “Abundance.” Politicians and corporations love to wrap a bad idea into a happy sounding word. It’s a long-used scheme to trick the public into believing that something bad is good for us. But behind these words lies a nasty truth. 

This deregulatory agenda was in action when Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) and the two most powerful men in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), joined President Trump to announce a massive Hyundai steel plant in Louisiana.

Looking at Hyundai executives, Trump assured the men, “you’ll have no trouble getting your permits.” Then, signaling his willingness to circumvent the process, he continued, “these people you’re dealing with are top of the line — but just in case, call me.”

It is our home that was targeted in that White House press conference. We are lifelong residents of Louisiana’s River Parishes. With all the industrial pollution packed into our communities, though, you may know us by our geographic moniker: Cancer Alley.  

We know what happens when government rubber-stamps permits. That is why we are sounding the alarm about both Trump’s and some Democrats’ campaign of deregulation. If we are not vigilant, the proposed data centers and other facilities in the works for your home state could create the next Cancer Alley.

Until now, there has been an approval process for the construction of polluting infrastructure. Yet between the Trump administration’s promises of permits and giveaways to the industry — a campaign promise fulfilled on Day 1 — and Landry’s fast-tracking of state and local permitting, there........

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