CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Amid protests and concerns about the environmental impact of an insulation plant in Jefferson County, Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday he is in “full support” of the Rockwool facility.
Justice noted in a press release the state Department of Environmental Protection should and will continue to perform its duties during the permitting process.
“This is good news as we continue to bring viable businesses to our state and keep moving forward. We are excited that Rockwool has chosen us as the location for this plant site,” he said.
A group of protesters gathered outside of the Jefferson County Development Authority on Tuesday in opposition to the facility, noting air pollution as well as the plant’s location near schools.
“Rockwool has followed all the required procedures during the permitting process and the WVDEP will continue to review and make certain that the law is followed and that the health of our citizens and the environment remain as the top priority,” Justice also said.
“Rockwool has demonstrated for many years at other facilities they operate in Mississippi and Canada that they are a green company and that they take the steps needed to ensure that their manufacturing operations don’t endanger the health and welfare of the public or the environment.”
Construction on the site is expected to be completed in early 2020.