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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. What are the organization's future goals, and how does it plan to achieve them?

  2. How does the organization conceptualize and prioritize community engagement and leadership in its work?

  3. What are some of the most pressing environmental justice issues in Orange County, and how is the organization working to address them?

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

 The work by the Orange County Environmental Justice (OCEJ) organization can potentially advance justice and good governance by addressing environmental injustices in Orange County. By educating and empowering communities, OCEJ can increase awareness of the impacts of environmental issues such as air pollution, water contamination, and climate change, leading to more informed and engaged citizens. OCEJ's advocacy efforts can also help hold local government and industry accountable for addressing environmental injustices and promoting more sustainable practices

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

Their website has a history of past press releases and publications featuring the organization and its work. This includes local news including Telemundo and Daily Pilot detailing their work and collaboration with UC Irvine, among other organizations, as they conduct their research and present their findings.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck
  1.  The OCEJ works closely with community members in the region; this includes the University of California, Irvine, and other community-based organizations and advocacy groups working on environmental issues in Orange County.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

This organization was conceptualized in 2016 and officially notated as a non-profit in 2019, garnering it as reasonably new; with that comes challenges to bring about awareness and build communal support for OCEJ. As with other environmental justice organizations, the nature of the work and the mission to center marginalized communities present challenges and overcome historical and systemic oppressions that have contributed to disproportionate exposure to environmental harm.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

OCEJ does not explicitly state they have a unique approach to organizing in their non-profit. Still, within their mission and considering the individuals who comprise their staff and advisory board, I would argue they have a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic approach to environmental justice. There are members from the Acjachemen and Tongva Nations, Asian American-Pacific Islander, and Latinx communities who are working collaboratively to achieve environmental justice.

Beck, Nyah E. | Winter 2023 EiJ Annotations

nebeck

OCEJ has conducted several studies to highlight the environmental disparities within Orange County. Notably, this includes campaigns like Communities Organizing For Better Water !Plo-No! Santa Ana and Environmental Justice Organizing Academy