My article for this weeks media assignment was about the United States Recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize (sometimes called the Green Noble). Hilton Kelley is a native of Port Arthur, TX. He grew up surrounded by oil refineries that polluted the air with toxic chemicals.
Many of the refineries are located next to housing project that are homes of lower income Americans. With many of this Gulf Coast town's poorest residents suffering from asthma, skin irritations and cancer, he has neither forgotten nor forgiven. So, Kelley intends to change the situation and by many standards he has.
Kelley fought for 10 years to get the state and county to set more strict limits on oil refineries toxic ommissions. He has been successful in this area but he does not believe the fight is over.
Matthew Tresaugue of the Houston Chronicle quoted Kelley, “Port Arthur has been a dumping ground for years because this was the area of least resistance,” Kelley says. “But this is a new day.” in his April 11,2011 article (http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Port-Arthur-native-wins-environmental-prize-1331276.php)
I was very interested in learning about the Goldman Prize. I am glad that people throughout the world are rewarded for effort of keeping this Earth a safer (and cleaner) place.
Below are pictures of Port Arthur, TX. The reason Kelley is concerned seems obvious.
Until next time,
Sarah Fowler
oh P.S. Kiva and I will be victorious :)
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