The Environment (2005)
Louisiana Public Square

Details
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
Description
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