Environmental justice calls for equal protection from environmental health hazards, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. The April 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill placed many of these vulnerable communities at further risk of environmental health hazards and economic losses. Many agencies that originally formed around Hurricane Katrina are now responding to the recent Gulf Coast tragedy.
Gulf Coast Fund Offers Oil Spill Emergency Response Assistance
The Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health formed in response to the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Ike, and Rita. Comprised of a network of over 150 coastal organizations in Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana, the fund focuses on supporting organizations working towards environmental justice and coastal conservation. They promote activities that focus on community organizing and movement building.
The Gulf Coast Fund started an Emergency Fund to offer assistance to communities impacted by the BP Oil Spill. Their Community Advisory Board helps administer the funds, which go to support the following response activities:
- independent analysis and coastal monitoring of oil spill toxins
- economic analysis of oil spill impacts
- community outreach and advocacy around first response needs
- community notification about oil spill updates
- collaboration and communication with spill cleanup and response agencies
The Gulf Coast Fund will also maintain its network to prevent duplication of effort and to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. They are also liaisons to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies responding to the crisis.
Outreach to Vietnamese Communities Expanded in the Wake of Economic Crisis
Noted for its strength in rebounding from Hurricane Katrina, the Vietnamese community in the Gulf is now suffering from emotional and economic stresses. The closing of fishing areas and the projected long-term damage to fisheries have caused many to worry. Many Vietnamese in these communities have fished for several generations, and the thought of job searching without proper English language skills makes the future seem bleak.
Organizations such as Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation and Boat People SOS, Gulf Coast chapter, have come to the aid of Vietnamese communities by providing emergency funds. Mary Queen of Vietnam has also collaborated with Catholic Charities to provide mental health counseling for those in need. Boat People SOS has offered free legal counseling to those residents who have been offered contracts and other forms of compensation from BP.
The Houma Nation Lacks Federal Recognition, Left on Its Own to Recover
In southeast Louisiana, the Native American Houma Nation is also afraid of the oil spill's impact on their fishing community. In the past, oil companies have taken advantaged of their limited education and gained access to their land in order to build canals to help recover oil. These canals may also allow the toxins from the oil to seep onto their coastline, destroying any chance of fishing in the future.
The Houma Nation has faced several natural disasters in the past but is fearful that the cultural and economic impacts from the loss of fishing activities will be too great to overcome. Historically, the Houma Nation has been ineligible for federal aid, largely because it is only recognized by the state of Louisiana, not the federal government. The tribe currently relies on the support of other tribes and private donors. The Dulac Center, a local community center, serves as a hub for community activity and leadership development.
Communities Responding to the BP Oil Spill Need Voices Heard
In June the EPA's advisory board on environmental justice, the National Environmental Justice Council, held a teleconference with 370 participants to take public comment on community impacts of the oil spill. The group plans to draft a formal letter encouraging EPA to enhance their work in listening to community-based organizations. Groups like the Gulf Coast Fund can be of assistance in making sure the needs of lower income and communities of color are heard.
Sources:
Environmental Justice Concerns Arising from Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill, Retrieved July 10, 2010
Mary Queen of Vietnam CDC website, Retrieved July 11, 2010
Native American Group Hit Hard by Oil Spill, Retrieved July 10,2010
Gia Grier McGinnis - Gia Grier McGinnis is a Baltimore, Maryland native and currently serves as the an Assistant Director of a university community engagement ...
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