Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2005-05-18

Duration: 00:58:14

Subjects: Water pollution | Filmed panel discussions | Environment | Public health | PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY | Air pollution

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Zewe, Charles Host
• Godoy, Al Producer
• Ford, Kenneth Interviewee
• Rolfes, Anne Interviewee
• Scheller, Nora Interviewee
• Fontenot, Willie Interviewee
• Guidry, Jimmy Interviewee
• Kirkland, Les Ann Interviewee
• Rivette, Dane Interviewee
• Hewitt, John Speaker
• Pierre, Shone Speaker
• Cropper, Matt Speaker
• Kettlewell, Romy Speaker
• Cole, Jerry Speaker
• Squint, Kirstin Speaker
• Kelly, Joe Speaker
• Smith, Sonja Speaker
• Burns, Julius Speaker
• Bagala, Steve Speaker
• Kleinpeter, Eva Speaker
• Davey, Miriam Speaker
• Bergeron, Kirk Speaker
• Gautreaux, Karen Panelist
• Borne, Dan Panelist
• Orr, Marylee Panelist

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from May 18, 2005, features Charles Zewe leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on the impact of the petrochemical industry on Louisiana’s environment. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: Kenneth Ford, an environmental activist in Chalmette; Anne Rolfes of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade; Nora Scheller of Chalmette Refining; Willie Fontenot, a former liaison officer with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office; Dr. Jimmy Guidry, the State Health Officer; Les Ann Kirkland, an environmental activist in Iberville Parish; and Dane Rivette of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. The audience members then discuss their concerns about air and water pollution and the possible long-term health implications for the people of Louisiana. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: Karen Gautreaux, the deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality; Dan Borne, the president of the Louisiana Chemical Association; and Marylee Orr, the executive director of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network. They discuss: environmental monitoring; the concerns about toxic emissions from chemical plants; class action lawsuits against chemical companies; building coalitions between industry, government, and the public; the efforts to minimize emissions; water pollution; and their strategies for improving Louisiana’s environment. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Charles Zewe