Actions and Accomplishments
Actions & Accomplishments in St. James Parish
Rise of St. James, “is a faith-based environmental justice group” created by Sharon Lavigne in October 20181. Sharon Lavigne founded Rise St. James to stop the “9.4 billion petrochemical complex, proposed by a Taiwanese company”, also known as Formosa Petrochemical Corporation2. The construction of these companies is producing fossil fuels and air pollution in St. James, Louisiana; which is affecting the land’s environment, lives and health of residents. For this reason, Sharon Lavigne set her sights on stopping Formosa Plastic and the petrochemical industry expansion in St. James Parish. As a result, Ms. Lavigne, “learned all she could about toxic chemicals and green house gas pollution” to learn more about these companies1. In addition, she attended different community meetings and organized protests to help improve the living conditions in St. James Parish, prevent future petrochemicals companies from being built and spread awareness on the ongoing issues they are facing. She also helped spread awareness, educated others on health concerns, and built a community to stand up against these companies and voice our concerns. When she finally confronted government officials in Louisiana, she realized they were resolute/absolute on building petrochemical companies without considering the health needs of the community. These government officials also brushed off community issues and found no issue associated with petrochemical companies. Additionally, they failed to protect the well-being of the St. James Parish and ignored the communities concerns regarding these harmful companies. Due to this Ms. Lavigne took matters in her own hands and started to spread awareness on petrochemical industries. She also went to the White House, to visit the president in hopes that the president can stop Formosa Plastic from expanding and support St. James Parish.
“In September, Judge Trudy White of the 19th Judicial District Court, canceled the air permits for the Formosa Plastics Plants1“. So, Rise of St. James in 2018, was able to successfully defeat the construction of a $1.25 billion plastic manufacturing plant3. In addition, the U.S Environmental Agency (EPA) also recognized the environmental racism taking place in Louisiana and called upon regulators to analyze the impacts these polluting industries have on nearby residents in Louisiana1. This helped to spread awareness on the health consequences that come from petrochemical industries. This was one successful step, Rise St. James was able to make during their fight against petrochemical companies. Currently, Rise St. James is still in the process of “fighting” against Formosa Plastic. This is due to Formosa Plastics pushing through to expand/build massive multibillion dollar plants in Louisiana and trying to get government approval to build more factories without caring for the well-being of St. James. Regardless of this, Sharon Lavigne plans to continue doing marches, write letters and visit governor mansions to help bring awareness and fight against these harmful companies3.
– Jacqueline Mejia
Reference:
1.) Greenfield, N. (2022). Advocates Are Sparking a Revolution in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/advocates-are-sparking-revolution-louisianas-cancer-alley.
2.) Surrusco, E. K. (2024). Cancer Alley Rises Up. Earth Justice. https://earthjustice.org/feature/cancer-alley-rises-up.
3.) Rise St. James: Battling Petrochemical Expansion in Cancer Alley. (n.d.). Rise St. James Louisiana. https://risestjames.org/