Environment Justice Initiative (“EJI”) is committed to preserving the environment and protecting communities from environmental harm.
Under the leadership of Joel Kupferman, Executive Director of EJI, the organization has worked to bring attention to serious environmental and public health concerns. The interview below reflects Kupferman’s deep commitment to protecting the health and safety of the community in the aftermath of 9/11. At a time when many officials assured the public that lower Manhattan was safe, Kupferman relied on his environmental justice experience to investigate the risks himself.
He entered the World Trade Center area, collected dust samples, pushed for testing, and worked to bring attention to the dangers facing residents, workers, and first responders. His persistence helped challenge the official narrative and gave voice to people who were already experiencing the effects of toxic exposure. This interview highlights Kupferman’s dedication to environmental justice, public health, and community accountability. Watch the full interview below to hear him describe his experience and the work that followed.
RIIS Housing
EJI is also working to bring critical attention to hazardous contamination affecting residents’ homes and shared spaces at the Jacob Riis Houses. Soil testing at Riis Houses identified hazardous contaminants including benzene and benzo-anthracene, a carcinogen, at levels significantly above accepted safety limits. EJI remains committed to elevating residents’ concerns, challenging delays in cleanup and monitoring, and pushing for greater accountability in protecting the health and safety of the Jacob Riis Houses community.
Wards Island
EJI has further helped with issues occurring at Wards Island Waste Water Treatment Plant (“WIWWTP”). WIWWTP has continuously neglected defects of its water treatment system, exposing risks to New York rivers and workers at the plant. EJI is committed to addressing the defects to the plant and protecting safety of the plant workers.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE - New York Environmental Law & Justice Project - 