Fact Check: Many of the clinic’s clients are located along the heavily industrialized 85-mile (137-kilometer) stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge commonly referred to by environmental groups as 'Cancer Alley.'

Fact Check: "Many of the clinic’s clients are located along the heavily industrialized 85-mile (137-kilometer) stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge commonly referred to by environmental groups as 'Cancer Alley.'"

What We Know

The term "Cancer Alley" refers to an 85-mile (137 km) stretch of land along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, which is heavily industrialized and home to numerous petrochemical plants and refineries. This area has been identified by environmental groups as having elevated cancer rates, largely attributed to air pollution from these industries (Cancer Alley). The region is known to contain over 200 industrial facilities, which contribute significantly to the United States' petrochemical production (Cancer Alley).

A recent report highlighted that many clients of the Tulane University Environmental Law Clinic, which advocates for communities affected by pollution, are indeed located in this area (Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ...). The clinic's work focuses on addressing the health impacts and environmental injustices faced by these communities, which are predominantly low-income and African American (Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ...).

Analysis

The claim that many of the clinic's clients are situated in "Cancer Alley" is supported by multiple sources. The Tulane University Environmental Law Clinic has been actively involved in representing communities along this industrial corridor, which has been recognized for its high levels of toxic emissions and associated health risks (Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ...).

Further corroboration comes from reports indicating that the area has historically been labeled as "Cancer Alley" due to the documented health disparities and environmental hazards faced by residents (US: Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley'). The term has been widely used in environmental studies and media reports to describe the severe pollution and its impacts on local communities (Welcome to “Cancer Alley,” Where Toxic Air Is About to Get ...).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they include academic research, reputable news outlets, and environmental advocacy organizations. However, it is important to note that some sources may have inherent biases, particularly those advocating for environmental justice, which could influence the framing of the issues at hand. Nonetheless, the consensus across multiple credible reports supports the claim that many clients of the clinic are indeed located in this heavily industrialized region.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that many of the clinic's clients are located along the heavily industrialized stretch of the Mississippi River known as "Cancer Alley" is accurate. This area is characterized by a high concentration of industrial facilities that contribute to significant environmental and health challenges for local residents, which aligns with the focus of the Tulane University Environmental Law Clinic's advocacy work.

Sources

1. Cancer Alley
2. Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ...
3. US: Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley'
4. Welcome to “Cancer Alley,” Where Toxic Air Is About to Get ...
5. What is Cancer Alley? Louisiana Factories & ...
6. Real-time data show the air in Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' is ...
7. In Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley,' pollution rule brings hope
8. Q&A: Cancer Alley Is Real, And Louisiana Officials Helped ...