Uneasy Alchemy: Citizens and Experts in Louisiana's Chemical Corridor Disputes

摘要: Louisiana annually reports over eight tons of toxic waste for each citizen. Uneasy Alchemy examines the role experts -- lawyers, economists, health professionals, and scientists in struggles environmental justice state's infamous Chemical Corridor or "Cancer Alley." This legendary zone between New Orleans Baton Rouge is home to about 125 oil chemical plants; cancer respiratory illness rates there are among highest nation. The efforts residents ensure a healthy environment one most important social movements post-civil rights era.Louisiana an especially appropriate venue examination race, class, politics within framework because critical industry has played economic development state, weak record state agencies controlling chemicals enforcing regulations. But while suffers from some worst pollution nation, it also been site victories. Using ethnographic analysis interviews with citizens, activists, experts, media accounts, policy reports, government documents, minutes hearings, company statements, Barbara Allen identifies factors that contribute successful efforts. She finds strategies involved temporary alliances local citizens expert-activists, across lines race national organizations. These were not easy achieve tend mistrust outside want fast action response threats but once formed, these powerful combinations expert knowledge force change.