The Protect Louisiana’s Environment and Demand a Green Economy (PLEDGE) coalition, a network of environmental organizations from southern Louisiana, has urged Congressional candidates in Louisiana’s 2nd District to commit to a five-point environmental justice platform. During a press conference on Monday, the coalition outlined its demands, calling for action on environmental justice issues and a halt to further petrochemical development in the region.
The coalition, composed of groups such as RISE St. James, The Descendants Project, Inclusive Louisiana, and the Alliance for Affordable Energy, highlighted the dire need for stronger representation in Washington, D.C., to address pollution and the impact of the petrochemical industry, particularly in areas like Cancer Alley. The five-point platform includes rejecting fossil fuel contributions, supporting a moratorium on new petrochemical development, enhancing federal pollution regulations, promoting green energy, and seeking restitution for the damage done by the industry.
“Our community is full,” stated Shamell Lavigne of RISE St. James. “We cannot withstand the threat that further petrochemical buildout represents.” Lavigne emphasized the urgent need for representatives to stand with communities against the expansion of petrochemical facilities.
Jo Banner of The Descendants Project expressed frustration with candidates accepting donations from petrochemical corporations. “We are no longer going to sit back and watch them take money and be silent,” she declared. PLEDGE coordinator Jack Reno Sweeney added that the region has long been viewed as “a place that can be sacrificed in the name of petrochemical profit,” but now the residents are standing firm in opposition.
Devin Davis, one of the candidates in attendance, voiced full support for the platform, while other candidates have been asked to complete a survey indicating their stance on each issue. The coalition plans to release the survey results through social media and evaluate candidates based on their responses and public records.
With the election approaching, the PLEDGE coalition aims to keep environmental justice at the forefront of voters’ minds and will continue to press candidates to commit to the platform. Voters can visit the coalition’s website to learn more about the platform and show their support.
For more information, visit www.pledge4ej.com.
