Creation Covenant Alliance

Time is Running Out to Achieve Justice for a Historic Black Community

The environmental injustice in Alabama is glaring as the historic Black Shiloh community faces ongoing flooding crises.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Dr. Robert Bullard tour the Shiloh community in Alabama.

The Environmental Injustice in Alabama is Glaring

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Dr. Robert Bullard tour the Shiloh community in Alabama.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Dr. Robert Bullard tour the Shiloh community in Alabama. | Photo by David Castillo/Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice

The State of Alabama destroyed their homes. Your federal tax dollars helped pay for it.

In this week’s column, I want to check back in on the historic Black Shiloh community in Elba, Alabama.

Since 2018, when the Alabama Department of Transportation expanded a highway through the town, stormwater runoff has been flooding homes whenever it rains. This ongoing crisis has devastated members of this community, erasing their generational wealth. They need justice, and time for federal help is running out.

Pastor Timothy Williams, a Shiloh community leader, described his home sinking two feet into the mud, with his family’s future being washed away. “I see my inheritance and my children’s American dream being stolen,” he said in March.

The toll on this community is more than economic. Watching homes and communities be destroyed has severe physical, mental, and emotional impacts. Power lines and pipelines pose additional dangers. Pastor Williams fears his sinking house might rupture a nearby natural gas pipeline.

The clear racial factor in this issue is significant. Alabama’s highway project’s disregard for this rural Black community is all too familiar. Years of inaction and neglect by the state and federal government have followed. Acts of intimidation have targeted outspoken community members like Pastor Williams, whose restaurant faced a boycott from local white residents.

Some residents believe storm drainage pipes were aimed at their community intentionally.

Since first speaking with Pastor Williams, I have visited Shiloh and worked with Dr. Robert Bullard to pressure governments to act. Elba is Dr. Bullard’s hometown, highlighting the persistence of environmental racism. Dr. Bullard sits on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also visited recently. On October 4, the Federal Highway Administration announced a Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) with the Alabama Department of Transportation to address flooding in Shiloh. This agreement resulted from a Civil Rights Act Title VI investigation, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded projects.

However, the VRA is not a solution for the damage already done. Homes are ruined, families traumatized, and property values decimated.

Army veteran Willie Horstead Jr., who also watched his home sink, summarized the sentiment: “I just want to be made whole.”

Dr. King’s words in his 1963 Letter From Birmingham Jail resonate: “Justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

Justice has been delayed for Shiloh residents. With the presidential election approaching, there’s uncertainty about future federal action. Further delay could mean justice is permanently denied to this community.

More stories about: environmental justice

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

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Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



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