The Dallas Star-Telegraph is Picking on Chalmette Refinery In what I guess is probably just a PR move, the Star-Telegraph of Dallas, Texas published a
story citing environmental problems at the refinery. The story, written by Jeff Claassen, a staff reporter with the Star-Telegraph only included comments from the
Tulane Environmental Law Clinic and Elaine McCarthy, a nearby resident of the refinery for 40 years.
In case you haven't heard, the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, along with the
Louisiana Bucket Brigade, has a law suit filed against Chalmette Refinery for excessive emissions. The Louisiana Bucket Brigade is a by-product of attorney Edward Masry (the attorney featured in Erin Brockovich) and was formed by professional protester
Anne Rolfes.
The following is an email that I sent to Mr. Claassen:
Dear Mr. Claassen,
I writing in regards to your recent article about the Chalmette Refinery. As a resident of St. Bernard Parish, I am impacted in some manner by what ever happens at the refinery.
I live and work here in St. Bernard Parish. While I do not work at Chalmette Refinery, I have worked there in the past, I have friends and family that do work there, and I know what Chalmette Refinery has contributed to the residents of St. Bernard Parish. No one that I know involved with Chalmette Refinery would knowingly perform any work at the refinery that would harm them or their families.
I would like to ask you a couple of questions about your article.
1) Of all the refinery's in the Gulf South, why is the Star-Telegram in Dallas, TX worried about Chalmette Refinery?
2) Did you interview any nearby residents other than Mrs. Elaine McCarthy about the refinery?
3) Did you ask Mrs. McCarthy why she continues to live so close to the refinery if she is fearful of it?
4) Since she is so close, why did she not seek to relocate after the refinery explosion in summer 1983?
5) What is your relationship with the entities and personnel of the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and the Refinery Reform Campaign?
Be good to yourself,
Westley Annis
da-parish.com
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The more the people of St. Bernard attack Chalmette Refinery and Murphy Oil, the more these companies will be inclined to look at these locations for possibly shut downs.
Has it been that long ago that Kaiser Aluminum shut down and devasted the economy of St. Bernard Parish that no one remembers? The two refinery's are among the top private employers in St. Bernard Parish. Without them, many in St. Bernard would be out of work.
Changing topics a bit, everyone knows the Presidential elections are this year. Southern Louisiana also has another important race to vote on and that is to fill the seat of retiring U.S. Congressman Billy Tauzin.
On Thursday, July 22, State Senator Craig Romero will have an informal gathering at Boasso America's offices inside the St. Bernard Port at 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited to come and meet the Senator.
Be good to yourself,
Westley Annis
westley@da-parish.com
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posted by Westley at 7/17/2004 09:30:35 PM
