Hurricane Katrina Disaster
STATEMENT ON KATRINA & AFTERMATH DISASTER
Global Community Monitor:
We are now facing a crisis in the Gulf States region of the country, due
in part to ignoring the toxic chemical complaints of industrial
communities and continuing to concentrate unsustainable developments in
that disaster prone region. GCM is already working closely with our
partner groups on the ground to provide immediate assistance.
In Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, many forgotten communities are
living under a cloud of hazardous air pollution. Industry has targeted
certain communities to expand their dirty operations, based on lack of
regulation and political power. Most often these are people of color and
low income communities. These communities suffer high levels of asthma,
respiratory problems and illnesses related to toxic exposure. Despite the
air not being tested routinely and a lack of studies to determine the
effects of pollutants, agencies and polluters claim "the air is safe."
Carefully designed community environmental monitoring drives policy,
such as air toxics regulations, buffer zones, increased enforcement of
environmental and health and safety laws, and greater responsiveness and
accountability from government and industry.
In 2005-6, the GCM will provide capacity building and technical
assistance in outreach and advocacy to dozens of communities in their
efforts to win environmental health and justice demands from industry and
government, as well as develop model monitoring programs, health centers,
policy solutions, and a national coalition of affected community members
to build change from the grassroots up.
Denny Larson
Director
Global Community Monitor
www.gcmonitor.org
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