Residents in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" are appealing to the U.S. Department of Justice to stop further industrial development in their already polluted communities.
Terry L. Jones reports for Floodlight.
In short:
- Black residents in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley are seeking federal intervention to prevent more industrial facilities from exacerbating pollution in their area.
- Local activists accuse state leaders of prioritizing industry over their health, relying on the DOJ as their last resort.
- The DOJ is gathering public comments for its Environmental Justice Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce health hazards in overburdened communities.
Key quote:
“We have a legislature in Louisiana that has been bought and paid for. (They) will not do anything to protect these communities.”
— Pastor Gregory Manning, Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition
Why this matters:
Continued industrial expansion in these areas not only endangers lives but also perpetuates systemic inequities. This legal push comes amid a broader national conversation about environmental justice, as communities across the country confront the disproportionate burdens of pollution and climate change. The outcome of this appeal could set a significant precedent, potentially reshaping the landscape of industrial regulation and environmental protection in vulnerable communities.
