HES 2025

HES 2024

We had a wonderful time at this year’s Health and Environment Summit! On the first day, we had the pleasure of meeting some incredible lawyers who are passionate about protecting our environment. Their expertise and shared knowledge have equipped us with valuable tools to push back against harmful practices in the Oil and Gas industry.

Day two featured a series of powerful presentations, most delivered by local experts who are deeply concerned about the environmental practices of large refineries. From discussing pollutants created during production to addressing “accidental” chemical releases, each presenter offered a wealth of knowledge and experience on the industry’s impact on our community.

On behalf of Micah 6:8 Mission, we want to thank everyone who participated in the Summit. Your commitment and contributions made this event a success, and we look forward to working together to bring about meaningful change for our community.

Lawyers Who Presented Include:

• Alessandra Jerolleman, PhD, JD, CFM, MPA
• Barrett Ristroph, PhD
• Nicholas Bryner – Professor of Law, Louisiana State University Paul M Hebert Law Center
• Haley Gentry – Senior Research Fellow Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy (BAR Admission – Louisiana)
• Chris Dalbom – Director, Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy (BAR Admission – Louisiana)

Presenters Include:

Click the link for their presentation.

• Lori Cooke – Louisiana Bucket Brigade
• Roishetta Ozane – The Vessel Project
• Breon Robinson, Matt Rota – Healthy Gulf
• Vickie Boothe – Fenceline Monitoring Workgroup Technical Team
• Matt Rota – Healthy Gulf
• James Hiatt – For a Better Bayou
• Debra Ramirez – Concerned Citizens of Lake Charles
• Lois Malvo – Fisherville Environmental Action Now

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HES 2023

Micah 6:8 Mission’s Health & Environment Summit 2023, held October 18–20 at the West Calcasieu Event Center in Sulphur, LA, stood out as a pivotal gathering aimed at educating and empowering the local community on pressing environmental and public health matters. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in a rich program of panels, presentations, interactive “toxic tours,” and even a documentary screening—each thoughtfully designed to bolster community understanding and action.

One of the summit’s notable features was its emphasis on transparency and expert knowledge. High‑profile speakers such as environmental chemist Dr. Wilma Subra—a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient—shared scientific insights into the potential health impacts stemming from industrial activities like the Westlake Chemical salt-cavern operations and their risks to groundwater. These presentations, along with panel discussions, offered attendees the chance to ask questions and gather concrete information about how pollutants affect local air and water quality.

Beyond education, the Summit emphasized building community resilience and collective advocacy. Local leaders like Micah 6:8 Mission’s founder Cynthia “Cindy” Robertson led workshops and delivered opening addresses. Participants not only built scientific familiarity but also learned about advocacy strategies—how to communicate concerns effectively to regulators, influence environmental policies, and hold polluters accountable .

Importantly, the Summit was designed to embody inclusivity and community care. All meals, child care, and educational materials were offered free of charge, removing common barriers to participation . This ensured that those most impacted by environmental injustice—especially low-income residents—could fully engage. The event helped lay the groundwork for ongoing projects like community-wide filtered water stations and environmental education, rooted in the kind of community-led action that defines Micah 6:8 Mission.

In summary, the 2023 Summit brought together residents, scientists, policymakers, and advocates for a shared purpose: equipping the Sulphur‑area community with knowledge, tools, and networks to protect health and the environment. It exemplified Micah 6:8 Mission’s commitment to “doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly” by creating both awareness and action rooted in community‑driven solutions.

Presenters Include:

Click the link for their presentation.

• Vickie Boothe, Ph.M. – Health Impacts of Oil, Gas, Petrochemicals, & Disinformation
• Kimberly Terrell, Ph.D. – Toxic Air Pollution and Environmental Health in Louisiana
• Wilma Subra – Pollution’s Effects – Current State & Potential Hazards
• Scott Eustis – Just Transition for a Healthy Gulf – What’s in the Air?

Other Speakers Include:

• LTG Ret. Russel L. Honore – COR JTF-Katrina
• Debra Ramirez – Concerned Citizens of Lake Charles
• Lois Malvo – Fisherville Environmental Action Now
• David J Holcombe, MD, MSA – Medical Director, Community Health Worx
• Jane Patton – Campaign Manager, Center for International Environmental Law
• Naomi Yoder – Support Scientist with Healthy Gulf
• Rev James Harris
• Kaitlyn Joshua
• Sarah Chambliss
• Paul Geary
• John Allaire