What are your thoughts on where the future of Environmental Justice stands in the Trump administration?
"Regardless of who the president is, it is important to remember that movement starts at the grassroots. We began by knocking on doors and informing our community about Exide, and encouraging people to take action and fight for all of our health. If we start by working with our neighbors, soon enough we'll organize our block. If we can organize our block, we can organize the blocks around us, and our communities. If we can organize our communities, we can connect with other organized communities and elevate the struggle. That is true no matter who is in office. We do not need to lose hope because change begins on the ground and becomes a movement when people come together."
What has been determined about the monies that will be awarded for cleanup?
"Since the lead contamination could very easily go beyond the 1.7-mile radius originally tested, we keep pushing for more testing until we can find the edge of contamination. For that we need additional funds. The Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Act of 2016 is expected to produce $30-32 million annually via a battery fee. A portion of that will go to cleanup Exide contamination, as well as "ghost smelters" (Closed sites with no responsible party across the state of California.) Estimates of total cleanup for Exide are in the hundreds of millions of dollars, so securing funding will continue to be a priority for us moving forward."
What advice can you share with other parents concerned about their children and the outlook for environment?
"There is no safe level of lead for children, and I fear for my
daughters' safety as any parent would. This fight is for my children, but also
the entire area. When confronted with issues, we have to be the ones to stand
up and advocate for ourselves and our neighbors. I grew up with a sense of
community. I was taught that I needed to do well in school, not to 'make it out,'
but so that I could contribute to my community.
I'm raising my daughters with the same ethics and worldviews that have been
passed down for generations in my family and community. Most importantly, the
struggles we start today are struggles our babies don't have to start tomorrow."
For those who question the validity of individual and group action, it's important to note: Exide closed its Vernon plant in March of 2015 , after a federal investigation into its operation.
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