Rising Up for Environmental Justice in Louisiana

Stories for Action

St. James Parish, an area an hour west of New Orleans, was once a landscape of wetlands, fertile soil, and healthy waterways. In the early 80’s, an influx of industrial plants moved in. This area, which now contains 150 industrial plants in an 85 mile stretch, is now termed “Cancer Alley”, or “Death Alley” by residents as the known health effects extend well beyond cancers, putting this area at the front lines of environmental racism.

Sharon Lavigne is a retired school teacher from St. James Parish, who is now leading a fight for the lives of her community. She founded her organization, RISE St. James, in an effort to organize against Formosa Petrochemicals, which is planning to build 14 new plants two miles from her home. Sharon shares with us her story of standing up for her community, her calls to action for every one of us, and inspiring motivation for those who may be fighting a similar fight.

For more info and how to support RISE St. James: www.stopformosa.org

For more info on the Coalition Against Death Alley: www.enddeathalley.org

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