Speed & Scale How a Louisiana community came together to take down a petrochemical plant
Nov 17, 2025
Sharon Levine and Heather McTeer-Toney join the conversation about the brave fight against petrochemical plants in Louisiana's Cancer Alley. Sharon shares her personal health struggles that fueled her activism, leading grassroots efforts to confront massive industrial expansion. Heather discusses the historical roots of environmental injustice and highlights the importance of supporting frontline communities. Together, they explore the harmful impacts of petrochemicals, the need for clean air and water, and strategies to empower local leaders in their battle for environmental justice.
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Community Transformed Into 'Skeleton Town'
- Sharon Levine grew up in St. James Parish and watched industry replace homes and farms with petrochemical plants.
- She describes the town as a "skeleton town" with neighbors dying from pollution-related illnesses.
'Cancer Alley' Is An Industrial Hotspot
- Over 150 petrochemical plants line the 85-mile stretch between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, earning the area the nickname Cancer Alley.
- The cancer risk from air pollution there is 95% higher than the rest of the U.S.
Health Diagnosis Sparked Activism
- Sharon was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis in 2016 and linked her illness to industrial pollutants.
- Her diagnosis motivated her to want to shut down the plants and fight for her community.