OPB News

Suit Filed to Stop Owens-Corning Plant

By Ley Garnett

PORTLAND, OR 2004-11-24 (OPB Radio) - Three environmental groups have filed a federal lawsuit to stop construction of an Owens-Corning factory in Gresham. The issue is greenhouse gas emissions.

The plaintiffs say the Clean Air Act requires that the plant have an emission permit before construction begins. Owens-Corning has only a draft permit from DEQ.

David Paul of the Oregon Center for Environmental Health says each year the plant would release 283 tons of hydrochloroflourocarbon gases, which deplete the ozone layer.

David Paul: With a review of the permit application on file presently, it's very clear that 95 to 99% of these emissions can be eliminated and that's what we think should happen.

The suit asks the court to impose a $100,000 fine against Owens-Corning and halt construction until DEQ issues a permanent air quality permit.

A company spokesman says the plant will make foam insulation. He says that would eventually reduce greenhouse gases because the product saves energy and therefore reduces fuel burning for electricity production.