Public Health Watch (PHW) is a nonprofit investigative news organization that focuses on threats to America’s well-being. Our award-winning environmental health coverage is dedicated to holding petrochemical polluters accountable, documenting government negligence and lifting residents’ voices for audiences across the country. To read our work, visit publichealthwatch.org. Send news tips, story ideas or questions for our staff to info@publichealthwatch.org
Texas Health and Environment Alliance (THEA) is home to the San Jacinto River Coalition, which mobilized more than 55,000 people to advocate for a full cleanup of the San Jacinto Waste Pits Site, and protects public health by helping communities understand and respond to toxic contamination. Through its national center, the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, THEA provides accessible environmental health information, community trainings, and guidance on navigating regulatory processes.
Residents can connect at www.txhea.org or call (281) 315-5242 for resources or support.
Air Alliance Houston (AAH) is the longest running advocacy non-profit in the Houston area that is singularly focused on air quality. Our mission is to reduce the public health impacts of air pollution through research, education, and advocacy. We produce original research on air quality in Houston, conduct public awareness campaign on topics like plastic pollution and concrete batch plants, operate the area’s largest community air monitoring network, and notify about 50K households annually about how to push back on new air and climate pollution sources in their neighborhoods. We help facilitate the Healthy Port Communities Coalition (HPCC), the Texas Streets Coalition, and the Texas Carbon Capture Coalition.
Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power, and fight to ensure that government works for the people – not big corporations. For too long, the people of Texas have suffered the consequences of living in a state dominated by polluting industries. But now there’s no need to choose between the economy and our health. Through our work in the Healthy Port Communities Coalition and the Close Parish Coal Campaign, we play an active part in elevating community voices and act to protect the health and prosperity of our communities and our families.
For more information, contact our local community organizer, Sarah Cinco, at scinco@citizen.org.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) provides free legal representation and community education to low-income Texans across 72 counties, including the Greater Houston Area. LSLA can help eligible people with most civil (non-criminal) legal issues. Residents can apply for LSLA’s services — and access self-help tools and resource pages — by applying on our website, www.lonestarlegal.org. Residents in the Greater Houston Area may call our Houston office toll-free at (800) 733-8394 or visit the office at 1415 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77002.
Resources:
LSLA’s resource library
Fenceline Watch is a Houston-based environmental justice organization dedicated to the eradication of multi-generational toxic harm on communities living along the fenceline of industry. Our work is focused on ending petrochemical industry expansion; responding to and reporting on chemical disasters in the Houston area; and protecting community members’ right to the democratic process, with a focus on the permitting of facilities that process chemical and other hazardous materials. We provide training for chemical disaster preparation & response and assist community members in reporting potential chemical incidents or environmental pollutants to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For more information, contact us at www.fencelinewatch.org.
Channelview Health and Improvement Coalition (C.H.I.C.) has organized in a continuing effort by residents to share information, to educate each other and to work together with governing and other agencies to address the issues impacting Channelview. Our mission is to give a voice to Channelview by bringing awareness and documenting, preventing and improving the issues and conditions affecting our residents — most notably pollution in the air, on the land, and in the San Jacinto River.
To learn more or get involved, contact c.h.i.c.77530@gmail.com or visit the CHIC Facebook page
East Harris County Empowerment Council (EHCEC) exists to improve the quality of life through innovative, sustainable programs and services that empower men, women, and youth to achieve their full potential. Through collaboration with partners and stakeholders, we provide community health access, awareness, and educational resources. Our services include Community health fairs, mental health first aid training, vaccine awareness, educational academies, and disaster preparedness training. Visit www.eastharriscounty.org.
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How to sign up for public comment at a Port Houston Port Commission meeting
