Seward Man Faces Jail Time for Clean Air Act Violations

Omaha, NE – In a shocking turn of events, Patrick Keough, 59, of Seward, Nebraska, was sentenced to six months in prison for violating the Clean Air Act. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp handed down the sentence in federal court in Omaha.

Keough, the owner of America’s Fiberglass Animals (AFA), a company that manufactures fiberglass animals using gel coats and Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) paints, was found guilty of two counts of violating the Clean Air Act. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) had previously determined that AFA required a construction permit and fabric filters in the manufacturing area to operate its business.

Despite this, Keough continued to operate his business in Shelton, Nebraska, without securing a permit or installing fabric filters. He then moved the business to Minden, Nebraska, without advising NDEQ and without securing the required permit. The business continued to operate without fabric filters throughout this time.

The case was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region VII, with assistance from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. Keough’s actions are a stark reminder of the importance of environmental regulations and the consequences of violating them.

Keough will begin a one-year term of supervised release after his release from prison. This sentence serves as a warning to businesses and individuals who would seek to disregard the law and put the environment at risk.

The Clean Air Act is in place to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution. Keough’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for this law and the consequences that come with it.

The people of Nebraska deserve better than to have their environment compromised by reckless business practices. We will continue to hold accountable those who put profits over people and the planet.