Media Briefing on Plastics, Petrochemicals and Protecting Cultural Resources

WHAT: Media Briefing on Plastics, Petrochemicals, Human Health, Environmental Justice, and African American Cultural Resources

WHEN: Wednesday evening, January 25 - Friday afternoon, January 27, 2023

WHERE: The Chateau LeMoyne in New Orleans, Louisiana with visits to key areas in “Cancer Alley”

WHY: Southern Louisiana is home to a heavy concentration of the country’s petrochemical processing and plastics manufacturing facilities which take a significant toll on the environment and the health of residents in nearby environmental justice communities. Attend this in person, on-the-record briefing—open only to journalists—to learn more about the petrochemical build-out and its impacts on water, air, soil, and climate, human health, and environmental justice, and get a firsthand look at the community impacts. There will also be presentations on the grassroots response and the African American cultural resources that are threatened by the build-out.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, January 25: Arrive in New Orleans and check in to the hotel before joining us at 7:00 pm CT for a  Welcome followed by a casual reception. Location to be announced.

Thursday, January 26: Kicking off at 8:30 am CT, we will host workshops by subject matter experts at The Chateau LeMoyne.

Friday, January 27: Board the bus at 8:00 am CT for an eye-opening toxic tour of “Cancer Alley”, stopping at key locations and hearing directly from residents. Return to New Orleans in the late afternoon.

COSTS & LOGISTICS
There is no cost to attend this briefing. However, you are responsible for making and paying for your own travel arrangements.

We have reserved a block of rooms at a lovely and atmospheric hotel, The Chateau LeMoyne located in the French Quarter where the briefing will take place.

We will provide lodging and meals free of charge when you register no later than Thursday, December 22, 2022. You’re welcome to register after December 22 but you will have to make and pay for your own lodging arrangements. If you or your employer would prefer to pay for your lodging and meals, you’re also welcome to do so.

COVID PRECAUTIONS
We will require proof of a negative COVID test taken the day before you travel to the event. Rapid tests are acceptable and you can show us the photo when you check in.
Please note that you must be fully vaccinated in accordance with the CDC’s guidelines for your age and health status.

CAN YOU MAKE IT?
We hope to see you in January. If you are interested in attending, please complete this short Google Form to let us know and please save the date for January 25-27, 2023.
You can use these links to add the briefing to your online calendar: Google Calendar | Outlook Calendar | Microsoft 365 Calendar | Yahoo Calendar

QUESTIONS?
Please address any questions about our program or agenda to: Judith Enck, President, Beyond Plastics, JudithEnck@Bennington.edu

Please address any logistical questions about lodging, meals, or transportation to Andrew Craigie, Program Coordinator, Beyond Plastics, AndrewCraigie@Bennington.edu or 518-888-4290.

SPONSORS
This media briefing is co-sponsored by: Beyond Plastics, Inclusive Louisiana, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and The Descendants Project.