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.
Top FERC To-Do List – Gas Pipelines
Now that its quorum has been restored, one of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's top priorities will be breaking the logjam of natural gas pipeline projects needing approval that built up [...]
Skeptics voice concerns over EPA plan for worst toxic waste sites
“The whole thing has so little to do with the core missions, which is protecting citizens and the environment we live in.” said Lois Gibbs, founder of the Virginia-based CHEJ. [...]
‘Mother of Superfund’ criticizes Pruitt’s report: corporate interests Trump public health
Statement from Lois Marie Gibbs: Superfund was created following the Love Canal crisis in Niagara Falls, NY to primarily protect public health. I know because I was a resident and [...]
#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.
Put the Super back into Superfund
It has been almost 40 years since the nation heard the cries for help from Love [...]
Disney CEO Bob Iger serves on President Trump’s business advisory council. Iger says the board is a “great opportunity” that gives him a “pipeline” to speak with Trump. We respectfully disagree with Iger’s contention that “it is better to be in the room” with Trump. People’s Action political director Mehrdad Amezun, an Iranian American, said Iger’s presence on the council “… looks like you are tacitly endorsing Trump’s policies” against Muslims and immigrants.
To understand more about this issue, read People’s Action’s commentary on OurFuture.org & sign the petition to demand Disney CEO Bob Iger resign from Trump’s economic advisory council immediately!
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.
