The Center for Health, Environment and Justice has been on the front line in the fight for environmental health for 35 years. We train and support local activists across the country and build local, state and national initiatives that win on issues from Superfund to climate change.
We Can Help You Win
CHEJ has the tools to help residents fight against toxic threats in their community. We can provide scientific information to make your case, leadership training to build your organization and organize your community, and ongoing coaching throughout the process.
Whether you are starting a new initiative from scratch with volunteers or have been working together for years, CHEJ is there for you. Contact us to find out more.
Love Canal
Our story began in Love Canal, NY, where Lois Gibbs led her neighbors to be protected from 20,000 tons of hazardous waste buried in their backyards. Love Canal was national news and the catalyst for the federal Superfund program.
Armed with lessons about the power of organizing, education and the bold voice of local residents defending their families, Lois launched CHEJ in 1981. We’ve been fighting for a healthier environment ever since.
A Network For Change
Our nationwide network of more than 300 local community groups works locally and at the regional, state and national levels to achieve critical policy impacts around issues like fracking, release of toxic chemicals, climate change, industral waste and more.
The communities we serve are largely rural, low-wealth or working class—the places that typically bear the brunt of environmental degradation. Together, we make a difference.
mark! Lopez Fights for East Los Angeles, Wins Goldman Environmental Prize
Born and raised in a family of community activists, mark! Lopez persuaded the state of California to provide comprehensive lead testing and cleanup of East Los Angeles homes contaminated by [...]
Living near radioactive dump, smoldering landfill, some in Missouri town want buyouts.
Doctors found the first tumors in Christen Commuso’s ovaries in 2012. Before long, more turned up in her gall bladder, thyroid and adrenal glands. Lesions appeared on her liver. While [...]
Just Moms St. Louis, MO Closer To Buyout
Missouri senators have passed a buyout program targeting homes near a St. Louis-area Superfund site. Senators voted 30-3 Wednesday to send the measure to the House. It would allow residents [...]
#RiseUp2017
#FromProtestToPower
Watch progressive leader and commentator Van Jones make the keynote address during the morning plenary session of the “Rise Up” People’s Action convention in Washington, D.C. on April 24.
See #CHEJShareworthy below for another video from the convention.
Tax Reform Should Begin With Making Polluters Pay
As we begin our national conversation about tax reform, why don’t we start with low-hanging fruit – [...]
After the success of determined activists at the Standing Rock Pipeline Camp in North Dakota, advisers to the new governmental administration plan to privatize Native American land to facilitate oil drilling and strip them of their sovereignty.
We have won a battle against big oil and for marginalized communities, but the fight is not yet over.
Tell your representative to stop taking away rights from marginalized communities. Find out who you can contact here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
Watch the video: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) joins dozens of grassroots activists pledging to run for office as the featured speaker at the April 24 afternoon plenary of the People’s Action “Rise Up: From Protest to Power” convention.
