The PFC (synthetic, fluorine-containing chemicals) byproducts of aluminum production, are among the most potent and longest-lasting greenhouse gases by far. Just 1.5 percent of global aluminum production occurs in the U.S. But efforts to reduce PFC emissions here have stalled while the cleanest smelters in other countries have brought emissions down to near zero. For example, when compared to facilities with the lowest PFC emissions worldwide, emissions from Kentucky’s Century Aluminum Sebreeare more than 40 times higher per ton of aluminum produced. Unfortunately, the EPA doesn’t regulate PFC emissions from aluminum plants.
Climate Crisis Blog
