Lois Gibbs and Love Canal

In 1987, Lois Gibbs read reports of chemical waste in her neighborhood of Niagra Falls, New York. She connected these reports to the recent mysterious illnesses that afflicted her children and began to take action.

Gibbs organized neighbors from Niagra Falls and formed the Love Canal Homeowners Association, which she led in the multi-year fight against the governments responsible for the neglect that caused her family to become sick. A key moment in the success of the people was the unofficial home arrest of two EPA agents. The residents of Niagra Falls claimed that if it was healthy enough for them to live in this town, then it was acceptable for the agents.

More than 800 families were eventually evacuated, and Love Canal began to undergo a cleanup process. The struggle was documented by the national press, and Gibb's efforts led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Superfund," which is used to clean up toxic sites.

After the success of Love Canal Gibbs formed the Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste (later renamed Center for Health, Environment and Justice). This organization is an environmental crisis center for thousands around the United States.

Research from Youtube video shown in class and The Goldman Environmental Prize website:
http://www.goldmanprize.org/recipient/lois-gibbs/