Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles

#PlasticsTreaty negotiations are scheduled to end later this year. While the Global Plastic Treaty is an opportunity to negotiate a legally binding international agreement that could change the world, many frontline workers and community members have been at the forefront of providing solutions to keep their communities clean and healthy. Last year, during negotiations in Kenya, the Environmental Justice Communities Against Plastic (EJCAP) coalition witnessed firsthand how vital the role of waste pickers is in the global plastic waste management system. Thanks to the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, EJCAP participated in a Door-to-Door Waste Collection Tour with the Nairobi and Kenya Waste Pickers to learn and support the priorities of frontline communities and workers during negotiations. Watch our journey: https://lnkd.in/gdem_H2V

Last week, I spoke on behalf of Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles at the California Climate Energy Collaborative Forum (hosted by CivicWell) in Palm Springs, CA. I shared a panel with friends at The Greenlining Institute, California Environmental Justice Alliance, and Communities for a Better Environment. I talked about the contributing factors that influence the true water cost of producing and using hydrogen large-scale as an energy source. I really appreciated the engaged audience and the openness to learn. Hydrogen, more specifically, Green Hydrogen, could be a viable method to produce H2 (compared to any other form of producing H2), but it cannot come at the cost of Californians' drinking water, especially at a time when climate conditions are worsening, and water sources are already strained and vulnerable. Those interested in the slides, feel free to reach out at mrincon@psr-la.org for a copy.

For 10 years, frontline communities, health professionals, and environmental and labor groups led a powerful coalition that fought to move cities, counties, the California Legislature, and the governor to limit oil drilling where we live, work, heal, and learn. Together, we delivered a strong blow to the fossil fuel industry. After our legislative victory in 2022, Big Oil poured millions into spreading lies, trying to overturn our hard-fought health and safety protections. But we stood firm. Thanks to immense community power, the oil industry had no choice but to withdraw!! Read the full statement by on what this INCREDIBLE victory means to and for frontline communities across the state: https://lnkd.in/g_mkbrKV

While it is encouraging that city leaders plan to use less water from the lake, we call for a future where the city no longer depends on Mono Lake's water. Los Angeles cannot achieve water justice and uphold the Human Right to Water by putting a strain on another community's water. https://lnkd.in/gUYRyZzp

We're hiring! PSR-LA is seeking a Director of Health and Environment Programs to lead and guide three key programs: Air Quality, Toxics, and Land Use and Health (LUH). Interested? Learn more: psr-la.org/careers https://lnkd.in/eQtrqaV9

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors - LACountyBOS just voted in support of phasing out oil drilling in the Inglewood Oil Field! After 2 years of uncertainty, residents living near the Inglewood Oil Field are one step closer to having the reassurance that they won’t be left bearing the brunt of LA’s toxic oil industry. What's next in the fight to end oil drilling in the Inglewood Oil Field? One more vote by the LA County Board of Supervisors before becoming *official* law. If the final vote passes, the Inglewood Oil Field will join the rest of unincorporated LA County looking forward to a fossil-free future! "After 2 years of uncertainty, residents living near the Inglewood Oil Field are one step closer to having reassurance that they won’t be left bearing the brunt of LA’s toxic oil industry." Maro Kakoussian, PSR-LA Director of Climate & Health Programs

Next week, we're honoring our fearless leaders, Executive Director Martha Dina and Associate Director Denise! Join us for our Silver & Emerald Jubilee, celebrating their combined 45 years at PSR-LA. Buy your tickets today at psr-la.org/jubilee  Can't make it? Congratulate them on our KudoBoard: https://lnkd.in/guCbPYsh

Last week, the National Low Income Housing Coalition invited me to Washington, D.C., to speak to the intersections of housing justice, public health, and environmental justice. I was so humbled to learn about the extraordinary work led by women of color and their transformative changes in their communities. I am grateful to have shared the lessons learned of equitable building decarbonization efforts in California and for the collective dialogue on how to stop green gentrification. Thank you, Chantelle and Dr. Sabrina J., for coordinating and making this happen. 

Thanks to the fearless leadership of Executive Director Martha Dina Argüello and Associate Director Denise Duffield, PSR-LA has flourished for over two decades, reaching unprecedented heights through their unwavering leadership and dedication. This year, we're thrilled to celebrate their remarkable legacy within the environmental health and justice movements in a grand fashion! Join us on April 11 to honor Martha's 25th Anniversary and Denise's 20th Anniversary with PSR-LA! Secure your tickets or sponsorship at psr-la.org/jubilee for a fun-filled evening commemorating their achievements spanning from Nuclear Disarmament to Climate Justice!

The “Hydrogen Environmental Justice Framework,” created by the Energy Research Collaborative in partnership with Just Solutions, establishes criteria and considerations that assign the minimum baseline that hydrogen proposals must meet. This framework is designed to support climate and environmental justice advocates on the ground to help them win the best technology possible and, as needed, stop false solutions from taking root in their communities. In an equitable transition to a clean energy future, all individuals and communities must have equal access to a healthy and sustainable environment. That is why a comprehensive evaluation of potential environmental and health repercussions is essential when considering hydrogen energy alternatives. Read more about the framework at: https://lnkd.in/eWWVt_ay