Climate Activists in North Carolina Prepare for Trump’s Return
In Clinton, North Carolina, Sherri White-Williamson, a 72-year-old environmental advocate, is gearing up to face the challenges posed by the incoming Trump administration and state lawmakers. Despite the progress she has made through her nonprofit organization, the Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN), White-Williamson and her fellow activists are bracing for potential setbacks in the fight against climate-altering natural gas expansion in the state.
Environmental Injustice in Sampson County
Sampson County, home to a staggering 2.1 million hogs and just 59,000 residents, grapples with the adverse effects of industrialized hog farms and landfills. Despite efforts to mitigate pollution through technologies like swine waste-to-biogas digesters, harmful pollutants such as methane and ammonia continue to impact the local environment and community.
Legal Battles and Environmental Advocacy
In the courtroom, environmental attorney Anne Harvey of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice recently faced a setback in her fight against the rezoning of land for a liquified natural gas plant in Person County. Despite her legal prowess and dedication to environmental justice, Harvey’s efforts were met with resistance, highlighting the uphill battle faced by activists in North Carolina’s rapidly changing political landscape.
A Call to Action Amidst Uncertainty
As North Carolina navigates a complex web of political, environmental, and social challenges, advocates like Dan Crawford of the N.C. League of Conservation Voters and Mary Maclean Asbill of the Southern Environmental Law Center remain committed to fighting for a sustainable future. Despite the looming threats posed by the Trump administration and state lawmakers, these dedicated individuals continue to champion environmental protection, climate action, and social justice in the face of adversity.