RISE St. James Media: Advocating for Environmental Justice

David, Goliath and a slingshot loaded with the truth 

By Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald

“We’re not against the jobs – we just want to breathe clean air and drink clean water,” she said.

Louisiana environmental justice advocate to receive Notre Dame award

2021 GOLDMAN PRIZE WINNER

In September 2019, Sharon Lavigne, a special education teacher turned environmental justice advocate, successfully stopped the construction of a US$1.25 billion plastics manufacturing plant alongside the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana.

Formosa Plastics Has Been Delayed and Denied

Mr. Jaime A. Pinkham, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works directed the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) to proceed with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before finally revoking the Formosa Group (Formosa) Chemical Plant permit.

Formosa Plastics – May the Door Hit You on the Way Out

But what could be more tone deaf than profit and pollution without considering human impact and environmental sustainability? Shame on the leadership at the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, Inc. (GBRIA) in their recent appeal supporting yet another failing industrial sector.

Hurricane Ida’s Effect on River Parishes

The writing is on the wall. Like yesterday’s Hurricane Ida, major storms are approaching faster with less time to prepare. According to Governor Jon Bel Edward’s Climate Initiative Task Force, 66% of our carbon emissions in our state come from industry more than anywhere else in the country. This makes storms and the climate crisis harder to bear.

Letter to President Biden 30-days into Hurricane Ida Recovery

We all know that a home is more than the brick and mortar that makes a building. A home is the place that you have toiled and sacrificed to create. The style and size of your home does not matter, it is the protected sacred place you created to feel comfortable and be at peace.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works meets with Rise St. James

This is the first time a government official has taken the time to see our humanity, we will forever remember Mr. Pinkham for taking this initial step. We hope this visit inspires others to do the same. So far, we have been dismissed and discounted by the local leadership. They are on the wrong side of history, not us.

Thank You to the EPA Director for including Rise St. James in your recent visit to Louisiana

"I remember sitting on the porch, watching the blossoming flowers sway back and forth. I remember how birds would chirp chasing a butterfly and now, there are little to none, due to the influx of petrochemical emissions and pollutants along Highway 18, my community, a town called Welcome, Louisiana." Stephanie Cooper, Vice President of Rise St. James

La. Grandma Takes on Chemical Companies in Cancer Alley 'Like a Roaring Lion' — and Succeeds,

Principal deputy assistant secretary for U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works meets with Rise St. James,

Hurricane Ida Badly Damages Home of Goldman Prize Winner Sharon Lavigne and Others in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley,