This story was updated at 5:17 p.m. EDT.
Biofuels plants are often large sources of hazardous air pollution, presenting a major concern as the number of plants grow while being subject to lax permitting requirements, according to a watchdog group that views the air quality impacts as a reason to halt favorable government treatment.
The group’s study draws a contrast with traditional refineries, which are also significant sources of toxic air emissions but are typically subject to a stricter permitting regime.
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“The environmental benefits of these government supports are questionable at best,” Courtney Bernhardt, research director for the Environmental Integrity Project, said Wednesday on a call with reporters.
