A historic $50 million Clean Water Act settlement led by Diane Wilson is revitalizing the Texas Gulf Coast, funding a fishing cooperative, oyster farm and environmental restoration efforts.
Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Diane Wilson’s 2019 settlement against Formosa Plastics has funded $50 million in projects, including a $20 million fishing cooperative and environmental programs.
- The Matagorda Bay Fishing Cooperative is forming sustainable oyster farms and plans to purchase local seafood operations to empower fishermen.
- The settlement also mandated Formosa to halt plastic pellet discharges, resulting in penalties contributing over $24 million to Wilson's trust fund.
Key quote:
“They cannot believe I would do this for the bay and the fishermen. It’s my home and I completely refuse to give it to that company to ruin.”
— Diane Wilson, environmental advocate and shrimper
Why this matters:
The settlement has created economic opportunities and strengthened environmental safeguards, potentially setting a precedent for communities impacted by industrial pollution. Restoring livelihoods while reducing plastic pollution showcases how citizen-led activism can challenge corporate power.
