The Center for Health, Environment and Justice has been on the front line in the fight for environmental health for 38 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.
Alabama ranks 5th for industrial toxic releases in air and water
Alabama industrial facilities released more than 82 million pounds of toxic material into the air, land and water in 2017. Read more.
Study Finds Racial Gap Between Who Causes Air Pollution And Who Breathes It
Pollution, much like wealth, is not distributed equally in the United States. Read more
More States Crack Down on Protesters
In anticipation of upcoming protests, the state of South Dakota has recently passed a bill threatening protesters. South Dakota also has a large population of Sioux tribal members culturally related [...]
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Urban Heat Island Effect
By: Lauren Maranto Have you ever noticed that when you leave the city, the air feels [...]
Let’s Be Greener This St. Patrick’s Day
I don’t mean wearing more green clothing or drinking green beer, but rather thinking and acting [...]
Get the Lead Out of Schools Act!
No level of lead is exposure is safe for children. We need to protect our children from lead that can cause learning delays, especially in their schools. The Get the Lead Out of Schools Act mandates all schools to test for lead in their water and provides action grants to fix any contamination. Protect our children—contact your senators and make sure they support the Get the Lead Out of Schools Act when it goes to the Senate Floor.
Watch Leah, a 12-year-old activist give an impassioned speech at the Families belong together Rally on June 30th. CHEJ had the privilege of joining People’s Action and thousands of other activists at the rally to put an end to family separation at the border.
