The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has officially approved the air permit for a new steel plant proposed by Hyundai Steel in Donaldsonville. The project, located in a region known as Cancer Alley, has faced significant scrutiny throughout 2026 regarding its potential environmental impact and pollution levels.
Following feedback from the Sierra Club and local groups, Hyundai Steel updated its application to include the electrification of certain facility components. However, the approved permit does not mandate further electrification or the integration of green hydrogen technologies, nor does it require the use of best-available control measures for toxic dust.
LDEQ determined that the facility would have no adverse environmental impacts, leading the agency to omit an environmental justice analysis from the final permit. This decision comes despite existing pollution levels in Ascension Parish, which exceed those of 96% of the United States. The agency also did not conduct an independent review of alternative site locations.
The Sierra Club has criticized the permit, noting that Hyundai Steel's commitment to clean industry remains insufficient compared to the company's potential. The organization is currently evaluating the permit terms and considering potential legal actions to address concerns regarding the facility's environmental footprint.
