In ‘Cancer Alley,’ a Battle Over Who Gets to Measure Air Pollution
The New York TimesFriday, May 23, 2025 at 9:03:23 AM
In Louisiana’s notorious "Cancer Alley," where industrial plants and refineries dominate the landscape, a heated debate is unfolding over who gets to monitor air pollution levels. Residents, activists, and state officials are clashing over the accuracy and transparency of pollution data, with locals arguing that government measurements downplay the health risks they face daily. Meanwhile, industry groups insist their emissions are within legal limits. It’s a classic case of distrust between communities bearing the brunt of pollution and the entities responsible for regulating it.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about air quality—it’s about who gets to define the truth when lives are on the line. For communities in Cancer Alley, where cancer rates are alarmingly high, reliable pollution data could mean the difference between accountability and neglect. The fight over monitoring reflects broader struggles over environmental racism, corporate influence, and whether marginalized voices are heard in decisions that affect their health. If the people breathing this air can’t trust the numbers, what’s left?
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