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PS: SJV pesticides: intersecting injustices

prerna_srigyan

1. data injustice: the Cerda family did not have access to the data linking chlorpyrifos as a neurotoxin. 

2. economic injustice: the Cerda family are agricultural workers and are exposed to pesticides like chlorpyrifos on a regular basis. Rafael Cerda's developmental disabilities will present barriers in economic and overall well-being. 

3. epistemic injustice: Cerda family's complaints and allegations are not being considered by the pesticide manufacturers and sprayers 

4. health injustice: Rafael Cerda's disabilities are a direct result of his in-utero and natal chlorpyrifos exposure 

5. intergenerational injustice: Rafael Cerda's disabilities were caused in-utero as his mother was exposed to large amounts while she was pregnant with him. 

6. media injustice: inadequate attention to the extent of harm this pesticide can cause

7. procedural injustice: ongoing lawsuit, result not yet known

8. racial injustice: the affected are Latino/a agricultural workers 

9. reproductive injustice: exposure to Chlropyrifos in-utero

PS: SJV pesticides: stakeholder actions

prerna_srigyan

1. Scientists at Columbia university estbalished a link between exposure to chlorpyrifos and alterations in brain structure

2. California Gov. Gavin Newsom banned chlorpyrifos in the state in may 2019

3. EPA banned the chemical in 2015. Trump admin reversed the ban. 

4. Cerda family: chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos, suing for general damages, compensatory damages due to Cerda’s loss in earning capacity, medical costs, and “punitive damages for the willful, reckless, and recklessly indifferent conduct of the Defendants,” 

PS: SJV pesticide disability: stakeholders

prerna_srigyan

1. Seventeen-year-old Avenal resident Rafael Cerda Calderon: platiniff, impacted heavily by the pesticide Chlorpyrifos 

2. Corteva, Inc.: multi-billion dollar agribusiness company; 

3. pesticide applicators Woolf Farming Co. and Cottonwest, LLC

4. municipalities of Huron and Avenal

5. pesticide applicators Woolf Farming Co. and Cottonwest, LLC

6. attorney groups: Calwell Luce diTrapano PLLC of Charleston, West Virginia, and Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint P.C. of San Diego, and Phoenix.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck
  1. How does the organization intend to push the Inland Empire towards a zero-emissions, sustainable, regenerative society? What does this vision look like and how can we get there?
  2. How does the organization approach diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within its own structure and in its work with external partners?

  3. How does the organization balance its advocacy and direct service work?

  4. How does the organization ensure transparency and accountability in its operations?

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

The CCAEJ addresses environmental injustices and promotes sustainability within the Inland Empire community. AAdvocating for these policies that promote environmental justice engages polluters to be held accountable for their presence. The organization can achieve a more just and equitable society beyond heavy industry. The CCAEJ work to empower residents to have a voice in the decisions that directly affect their health, well-being, and homes, promoting democratic participation and good governance.  

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

Past media coverage sportrays CCAEJ as a vocal and effective advocate for environmental justice in California, specifically for the Inland Empire region. Their website has a resource tab that features the organization's work covered in various news outlets, including local newspapers and national magazines. Some media reports include the organization's successful campaigns, such as the Indirect Source and Advanced Clean Truck Rule.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

CCAEJ functions within the environmental justice movement, a sector that seeks to address the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits that often fall along racial and socioeconomic lines. The organization is based in California's Inland Empire region, known for its heavy industry, poor air quality, and high rates of poverty and pollution-related health problems. Within this regional ecology, CCAEJ has established itself as a prominent community-based organization that advocates for the health and well-being of residents disproportionately impacted by pollution and other environmental hazards. The organization works closely with community members, government agencies, and other organizations to advance environmental justice goals and promote sustainable and equitable development.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

 The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) collaborates with various organizations, including labor, faith-based, LGBTQIA, immigration, and prison reform/abolitionist organizations. For example, the organization has worked with groups such as Sierra Club, Earthjustice, Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability, and the California Environmental Justice Alliance on various campaigns and initiatives related to environmental justice.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

 CCAEJ is likely to face many challenges and concerns regarding the problem spaces in which they work, which would include environmental injustice, community health, and land use planning. Some examples might include lack of political will, limited resources, complex and interconnected problems, systemic barriers, and community engagement and empowerment.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck
  1. This organization does not explicitly state that its approach to addressing environmental justice issues is unique; however, in this project and reviewing other organizations, I was surprised to see on their website they do outwardly believe in a zero-emission future and regenerative and sustainable economies. Given precedent, this could be perceived as quite a radical approach, especially to corporations or other stakeholders seeking to profit from the industrial landscape of the Inland Empire.