Analyze

Given the vastness of Formosa Plastics' influence, there are many ways to tell its story to the world. As environmental justice activists and researchers, how do we describe a company and its negative impact when there is so much to say? Limited by time, word count, and the audience's attention span, we must decide what goes unsaid. As a result, we could write countless answers to the same question, "What is Formosa Plastics?"

In this published academic case study, I introduce Formosa Plastics through a local lens--specifically, through the eyes of a grandmother-turned-activist in the small town of Welcome, Louisiana. Her family's history with social justice activism, as well as the area's connection to centuries of slavery, make the environmental racism of Formosa Plastics' Sunshine Project especially salient. Although Formosa Plastics is a global force, telling its story on the microscale is an equally important perspective. After all, in Sharon Lavigne's eyes, her small town is her world. How many of these little worlds have Formosa Plastics destroyed as they wreak havoc across international borders?

1. This is a standout organization to unite many underrepresented groups and collectively advocates for solutions to their issues. I believe this is a great strategy to bring about genuine change in policy, laws, and, hopefully, the future lives of Californians.

2. 1. What are some of the biggest challenges facing the environmental justice movement in California today, and how is CEJA addressing these challenges?

   2. How does CEJA approach community engagement and leadership development, and what role do community organizations play in the organization's work?

1. From the sources shared on their website, they seem to be well-regarded by major news outlets and other sources for media. CEJA’s headlines are generally featured as necessary and critical to the context in which they advocate for communities of color disproportionately impacted by higher exposure to pollution. Of course, though, prominent industry leaders for oil and agriculture are opponents of this organization.

1. This organization is a coalition of other organizations; therefore, they work intimately with core members; Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ), Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment (CRPE), Environmental Health Coalition (EHC), People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Rights (PODER)

2. And community partners; Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles, and Strategic Concepts in Organizing Policy Education (SCOPE).

1. Environmental Justice issues are increasingly complex, so naturally, this presents challenges for CEJA, among many other organizations centralized around EiJ.

1. CEJA does not necessarily have any claims of it using any unique strategies for addressing the problems they work on. If anything, I would note that the fact it is a coalition of multiple Environmental Justice Organizations from all over California would be characteristic enough to stand out.

1. CEJA produces and shares a wide range of data and research on EiJ issues in California. Their website has a section dedicated solely to the resources produced and circulated among their coalition. This includes the bills and legislation they are reviewing and various sources regarding pollution reports like oil refineries, power plants, and transportation.

1. The principal initiatives of CEJA campaigns are central to Policy Advocacy, Community Organizing, Research and Analysis, and Leadership development. They work to advance local, state, and federal environmental justice policies. A research and analysis team can provide evidence of the harmful effects of various pollutants that affect their communities, educate local stakeholders on these issues, and promote engagement of historically underrepresented groups to champion policy to address these concerns.

• CEJA has physical office spaces in Oakland and Los Angeles, California. They have their website and social media to communicate with their members, supporters, and the general public.

1. The CEJA is funded through a combination of grants, donations, and contracts. Generous donors from various foundations or philanthropic individuals have contributed to the CEJA’s funds.