Last Sunday, community leaders, organizers, scientists, and advocates from across the globe gathered in Buras, Louisiana for the Environmental Justice (EJ) Toxic Tour. Hosted by the Union of Concerned Scientists, We Act for Environmental Justice, and Healthy Gulf, the tour was designed to ground participants in the lived realities of frontline communities navigating liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, refineries, water pollution, rising energy costs, and climate-driven land loss.
Touring the Frontlines
Participants departed from New Orleans and traveled downriver toward Buras. Along the route, tour guides Scott Eustis of Healthy Gulf and Sandy Nguyễn of Coastal Community Consultants provided a detailed historical context of Plaquemines Parish.
Community Voices & Panel Discussion
The tour culminated at the Cambodian Community Center in Buras, where participants shared a meal catered by Thompson’s Kitchen, a local vendor. Following lunch, a powerful panel discussion brought community voices to the forefront. Moderated by Healthy Gulf’s Gregory N. Swafford, the panel featured: Reverend Tyrone Edwards Plaquemines Parish Councilmember District 1, Henry McAnespy Commercial Fisherman, and Minos Scarabin Business Owner/Cattle Rancher.
