News Archives » environmental justice
Parish Environmental Committee Fights Local Asphalt Pollution September 12th, 2011
The latest news on activism regarding the possible air pollution from the All American Asphalt Company in San Fernando, CA:
The agency that regulates air quality in Los Angeles (SCAQMD) requires that at least eight different people from different households call to report a problem in one day in order for them to take action. Whenever you smell something that smells like asphalt call 1-800-288-7664. You have to report the type of smell, the day and time, where the smell is coming from, and if it continues. You will be asked for your name and contact information but that will be kept confidential. Most likely the smell of hot asphalt comes from All American Asphalt located at 11549 Bradley Av, San Fernando, CA 91340.
The environmental committee of Mary Immaculate will have a meeting at the San Fernando Park on Saturday, September 17 at 9:30 a.m. (on the benches near the basketball court) to motivate and guide more people to call when they sense this bad smell.
Progress on Emissions Testing of Asphalt Plant in Pacoima, CA August 26th, 2011
This is the latest news from the group from St Mary Immaculate in Pacoima, CA who are concerned about possible toxic air pollution from a local asphalt plant:
“Our efforts for a better air in Pacoima continue. This week some of the leaders will meet with a South Coast Air Quality Management District (air pollution control agency). We are going to give them a history of what we have done, we will tell them about the medical problems that many people in the area are suffering from, and will also tell them about out tour to All American Asphalt. We are going to request that they test for emissions around All American Asphalt at a level of 3 ft. high, and to identify stationary sources of strange odors which is why we started the investigation.”
Environmental Health Activists at Oblate Parish in Pacoima Take Action August 19th, 2011
Members of the Oblate parish of Mary Immaculate in San Fernando, California and interested residents of the area were given a tour of the All America Asphalt Company last week. The San Fernando residents were concerned by noxious odors in the area surrounding the plant and wanted to determine if there were air quality issues that could affect the health of the community. This brief report is from the members of the parish environmental group who organized the plant tour:
“We want to thank all the people who attended the tour to the All America Asphalt Company. This was an important step on our efforts for a better quality of air in our communities. We were able to understand how the company processes the asphalt and were confirmed that there will be an inspection by an industrial hygienist paid by the owner of the asphalt plant. One of the following steps is to wait for the report from the industrial hygienist.”
Climate Justice for a Changing Planet December 8th, 2009
Climate Justice for a Changing Planet: A Primer for Policy Makers and NGOs shines a light on the important intersection of equity and justice in the context of the current climate change debate. This new publication from the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) explores climate justice as an emerging concept and as a key to understanding the global debate. The book demonstrates that climate justice is not only an ethical imperative, but also an economic and social one.
Learn more and access a PDF of the publication.
In an effort to further highlight the issue and to develop further understanding of the concept, NGLS has also launched a series of guest articles and interviews with climate justice experts and advocates. This series will continue through January of 2010. The series and more information can be found at www.un-ngls.org/climatejustice
NCRLC – A Great Resource on Rural Life Issues October 23rd, 2009
The National Catholic Rural Life Conference – NCRLC – offers resources on a range of issues related to rural life. Sign up for a weekly E-bulletin on their website/ This contains brief offerings on rural life programs, agriculture & food issues, and environmental justice concerns. A seasonal prayer or inspirational message is sometimes included.
NCRLC also has a faith-based campaign on stewardship of the earth and climate change. The website offers good resources on this issue and other environmental and food-related concerns.
