Environmental Justice, as defined by the EPA, concerns “The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” One place where Environmental Justice is a large concern is the area between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, which has been called “Cancer Alley”. Although Louisiana has some of the highest rates of cancer in the country, this specific area sees even more cases of its residents developing cancer than the rest of the state.

A major road in this area is Highway 61, which runs from New Orleans to Chicago. The landscape along 61 is either swampy land, suburb, or industry. Although the jobs produced by surrounding plants are vital to the local economy, those who live in these towns are breathing toxic air, produced by them same companies they work for. While the problems the plants in Cancer Alley cause are well documented, not much of the everyday American towns being affected is seen. While this series draws attention to the industry across the landscape, it also works to bring attention to the community that is affected, like so many across the country.