Our Stories

The Latest by Keith Rushing

National Communications Strategist, Partnerships and Intersectional Justice

“Race trumps class,” said Dr. Bob Bullard, a distinguished professor at Texas Southern University. He spoke at a panel on environmental justice sponsored by Earthjustice at the joint National Association of Black Journalists - National Association of Hisp
September 9, 2016

Environmental Justice Leaders Confront The ‘Value Gap’

By Keith Rushing  /  Headquarters Office

At a convention of black and Hispanic journalists, environmental justice advocates talk about the lasting impacts of discrimination. (English language version available.)

May 11, 2016

Las Maniobras De Transporte De Crudo Por Ferrocarril Amenazan

By Keith Rushing  /  Northeast Office

Ezra Prentice Homes es un complejo de viviendas con 400 residentes, mayormente de raza negra, y cuya mayoría son niños. También hay viviendas, centros de salud pública, parques e iglesias en las cercanías de la operación petrolera de Global Companies.

Be Be White and his son Brayton, six years old, stand along the fence that separates the railroad tracks with cars containing hazardous crude oil from Ezra Prentice Homes.
May 11, 2016

Crude-by-Rail Operations Threaten to Drown Out Black Community in Albany

By Keith Rushing  /  Northeast Office

Trains loaded with crude oil rumble past the Ezra Prentice Homes in Albany, New York, bringing air and noise pollution along for the ride.

Annette Gibbs and her husband William
February 17, 2016

Coal Ash Dump in Alabama's Black Belt: Another Symbol of Racism's Staying Power

By Keith Rushing  /  Washington, D.C. Office

In Uniontown, Alabama, a mountain of coal ash containing carcinogens and neurotoxins is threatening the town's residents.

Ron Smith
January 28, 2016

EPA to Weaken Civil Rights Protections Under Obama

By Keith Rushing  /  Policy and Legislation Team

The EPA’s Office of Civil Rights is trying to weaken civil rights protections through a new proposal that will negatively impact communities that suffer environmental discrimination.

Distortions and misinformation are key tactics in polluters' efforts to avoid cleaning up their pollution.
August 3, 2015

Three Myths Pushed by Polluters to Avoid Improving Air Quality

By Keith Rushing  /  Policy and Legislation Team

We explore three myths fueled by distortions and misinformation that are key tactics in polluters' efforts to avoid cleaning up their air pollution.

Tell us, what does #asthmafeellike to you?
July 9, 2015

#AsthmaFeelsLike Campaign Shares Stories About Life Without Breath

By Keith Rushing  /  Headquarters Office

A new social media campaign gets underway to encourage those affected by asthma to speak truth to power.

An oil refinery looms over the west side of Port Arthur, TX.
May 27, 2015

Big Oil: Masters of Deception and Inhumanity

By Keith Rushing  /  Policy and Legislation Team

The oil industry has hit a new low in cooking the numbers to stir up unwarranted fears that tighter ozone standards will negatively impact the economy.

Fiona helps prepare a sign that reads "I am 3 years old and I have asthma. Protect my lungs."
May 18, 2015

A Child’s Bout with Asthma Stresses Need for Strong Smog Protections

By Keith Rushing  /  Washington, D.C. Office

Gretchen Dahlkemper, a mom turned national organizer, talks about her daughter’s struggles with asthma and the need for everyone to fight for better protection from air pollution.

This mural in Brooklyn, NY raises asthma awareness.
May 12, 2015

Stronger Ozone Rules Could Help Everyone Breathe a Little Easier

By Keith Rushing  /  Washington, D.C. Office

Earthjustice's Keith Rushing describes his first visit to the emergency room with his daughter who suffers from asthma.