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Black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern train, Feb. 6, 2023. If the fossil fuel industry gets its way, many more trains will pass through the region soon, adding to a slew of environmental threats posed by the industry’s plans for the Ohio River Valley.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Article March 16, 2023

If the Oil Industry Gets Its Wish, the Ohio River Valley Could See More Toxic Trains

A plan to build more petrochemical plants has already begun, but locals are fighting back.

Press Release February 17, 2023

Advocates Renew Call to Modernize Federal Rail Brake Systems Following Ohio Train Derailment

Environmental groups urge federal agencies to reinstate modern train safety requirements in the wake of recent disaster

Press Release December 21, 2022

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Begins Title VI Civil Rights Investigation Into City of Corpus Christi Over Proposed Desalination Plant

Groups say desalination plant would disproportionately harm the historically Black Hillcrest neighborhood that has faced increased industrialization by the City

Document December 21, 2022

HUD Housing Discrimination Title VI Complaint – Corpus Christi, TX

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Title VI Discrimination Complaint Against Corpus Christi, Texas, Accepted

Press Release October 26, 2022

Residents file Title VI Civil Rights complaint over Corpus Christi desalination plant

Desalination plant would disproportionately harm a historically Black neighborhood

Document October 25, 2022

Inner Harbor Desalination Plant Title VI Complaint

Civil rights complaint to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development against the City of Corpus Christi for violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Sharon Lavigne, director of RISE St. James, next to her brother, Milton Cayette, Jr., a St. James resident, at Louisiana’s Department of Environmental Quality’s public hearing on whether to approve the 15 air permits for  Formosa Plastics in Vacherie, LA. on Jul. 9, 2019.
(Julie Dermansky for Earthjustice)
Article September 21, 2022

Two Big Wins Against Petrochemical Pollution — and a $85M Boost for the Communities Fighting It

Recent victories show how communities can fight back against the dirty petrochemical industry.

Press Release September 21, 2022

Michael R. Bloomberg Launches New $85 Million Campaign to Stop Rapid Rise of Pollution From the Petrochemical Industry in the United States

Building on Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Coal and Beyond Carbon, Beyond Petrochemicals will partner with frontline communities to block the construction of 120+ planned new petrochemical projects

In Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley, a cemetery stands in stark contrast to the chemical plants that surround it.
(Photo by Julie Dermansky)
feature September 15, 2022

How Big Oil is Using Toxic Chemicals as a Lifeline – and How We Can Stop It

Petrochemicals are an environmental and public health disaster. What you need to know.

Sharon Lavigne of RISE St. James is working to prevent Formosa Plastics from building a giant, 14-plant petrochemical facility in St. James Parish.
(Brad Zweerink / Earthjustice)
Press Release: Victory September 14, 2022

Louisiana Court Vacates Air Permits for Formosa’s Massive Petrochemical Complex in Cancer Alley

Decision is a major victory for RISE St. James, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Healthy Gulf, No Waste Louisiana, Center for Biological Diversity, Earthworks, the Sierra Club, and others in a years-long fight

Document September 14, 2022

Formosa Plastics Air Permit Decision

Louisiana court vacates air permits for Formosa Plastics’ massive petrochemical complex in Cancer Alley

Sharon Lavigne, front, is fighting to keep a petrochemical plant out of her Louisiana community.
(Photo courtesy of Julie Dermansky)
feature September 14, 2022

Cancer Alley Rises Up

An overburdened community unites against Big Oil’s next big play.

Press Release September 9, 2022

Members of Congress Deliver Strong Message to House Leadership: The Health and Voices of Communities are More Important than a Washington Insider Deal

Earthjustice Praises Congressional Letter Opposing Permitting Side-Deal in Continuing Resolution or Other Must-Pass Legislation

Welcome Park, next to the site of a proposed South Louisiana Methanol facility in St. James Parish.
(Brad Zweerink / Earthjustice)
Press Release: Victory September 9, 2022

Louisiana Residents Celebrate Stopping South Louisiana Methanol’s Petrochemical Complex

Community declares victory against what would have been the largest methanol production facility in North America

Document September 2, 2022

Metro Ethics Committee Memo Conflict of Interest September 2022

Ethics Committee decision re: Metro board member Matt Letourneau’s conflict of interest

Press Release August 31, 2022

Texans Hold Exxon Accountable For Years Of Illegal Air Pollution

Federal appeals court affirms $14.25 million civil penalty for Exxon’s illegal pollution in one of the longest-running environmental enforcement suits

Document August 31, 2022

Amicus Brief Against Exxon in Baytown, TX

Amicus on behalf of Air Alliance Houston

Document August 31, 2022

Court Opinion on Appeal Against Exxon

Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Exxon for the third time and upheld a record $14.25 million civil penalty in one of the longest-running environmental enforcement suits ever brought under the federal Clean Air Act.