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In North Richmond, there are many social and environmental organizations working on the environmental justice issues in the region. They conduct many campaigns in various ways but the purposes are the same: to resolve injustice. Sometimes the local organizations are cooperated to achieve their purpose.
The West County Toxics Coalition (WCTC)
The West County Toxics Coalition (WCTC)
WCTC, founded in 1986, has been carried on campaigns for the protection of local communities in West County against the toxic threats from chemical companies. The executive director of WCTC, Henry Clark has fought against Chevron Oil Refinery over the decades and made some accomplishments.
http://westcountytoxicscoalition.org/
In 1987, the Chevron was trying to get the permit for the expansion of hazardous wastes being burned in the incinerator, but WCTC led the public education campaign by having the community sign postcards opposing the expansion of incinerator. Chevron finally canceled their application for the permit request to expand incinerator, and the incinerator closed in 1999.
WCTC mobilized thousands of residents from 1989 to 1994, in response to major chemical accidents by the Chevron Oil refinery and the General Chemical plant to demand compensation, prevention of future accidents, and remediation of existing systems.
In September 2008, WCTC and other environmental organizations brought a lawsuit against Chevron to stop the expansion of refinery in North Richmond, which was in violation of California Environmental Quality Act (Choy 44).
IN August 3, 2013, WCTC mobilized over 3,000 people to march on the Chevron Refinery commemorating the August 6, 2013 fire and explosion that sent over 15,000 people to local hospitals.
“The West County Toxics Coalition, we’ve won some victories. But the thing is, it’s an uphill battle, as they say, a David and Goliath fight.” by Henry Clark, Executive Director of WCTC
“The West County Toxics Coalition, we’ve won some victories. But the thing is, it’s an uphill battle, as they say, a David and Goliath fight.” by Henry Clark, Executive Director of WCTC
The Our Power Coalition
The Our Power Coalition
The Our Power Coalition was founded in early 2017 by local community organizations such as The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), Rich City Rides (RCR), and Urban Tilth. The organization aims to support movements for better environment and transition to just society.
https://www.ourpowerrichmond.org/
Just Transition Institution provides opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills and knowledge for front line community members. Also, they could discuss and plan the strategies to achieve better Richmond.
Our Power Festival, held in every August, provides opportunities for local families and youths to learn about Just Transition strategies.
The organization works on introducing a citywide energy policy that supports the expansion of equitable renewable energy access to bring sustainable development to Richmond’s residents.
Our Power, Our Vote! campaign supports the people who are displaced by rising costs of living. Also, the Coalition works collaboratively to track policies and development projects moving through the city that will impact housing and rents
Communities For A Better Environment (CBE)
Communities For A Better Environment (CBE)
Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), launched in California in 1978, has been fought for recovering unfair environment in poor neighborhoods (sacrifice-zones).
http://www.cbecal.org/
In 2009, CBE and other local organizations made a petition to interrupt the Chevron Refinery's expansion plan. Eventually, the expansion was stopped because CBE claimed that the Environmental Impact Statement violated the California Environmental Quality Act because it would increase the pollution in the city.
Less Pollution, More Jobs campaign in 2012 enforces regulation of toxic chemical emissions and usage of energy efficient equipment in facilities.
CBE won settlements requiring virtually all California oil companies to clean-up over 700 sites contaminated with the toxic gasoline additive MTBE. The case also helped build political momentum that resulted in a state-wide ban of MTBE.
CBE’s Richmond Health Survey identified the chemical exposures threatens the public health of the community.
Sources
Drury, Richard Toshiyuki, and Flora Chu. “From White Knight Lawyers to Community Organizing: Citizens for a Better Environment — California.” Race, Poverty & the Environment, vol. 5, no. 2/3, 1994, pp. 52–54. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/44709287. Accessed 16 Nov. 2020.
Rein, Marcy. “Who Plans Our Cities?: Richmond Residents Fight to Shape a Healthy City.” Race, Poverty & the Environment, vol. 19, no. 2, 2012, pp. 7–12. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/41806653. Accessed 15 Nov. 2020.
Choy, Ellen, and Ana Orozco. “Chevron in Richmond: Community-Based Strategies for Climate Justice.” Race, Poverty & the Environment, vol. 16, no. 2, 2009, pp. 43–46. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/41555169. Accessed 15 Nov. 2020.
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