From Parish Meetings to National Stages

Rise St. James has expanded its profile well beyond parish level hearings. Founder Sharon Lavigne has received national recognition, including the Goldman Environmental Prize.

In August 2025, former Vice President Al Gore appeared at a Rise St. James event and criticized companies such as Exxon and Shell, blaming them for what activists call Cancer Alley.

The group has also participated in roundtables criticizing federal environmental policy decisions and has collaborated with national organizations such as 350.org. These connections demonstrate that the campaign against petrochemical development in St. James Parish is part of a broader national movement targeting the fossil fuel industry.

Meanwhile, Lavigne has stated that her goal is to bring down more industries that want to come into St. James. For residents who prioritize economic development and job creation, that declaration may sound less like targeted environmental advocacy and more like a general opposition to job growth.

Energy production and petrochemical manufacturing remain central to Louisiana’s tax base and employment. Projects bring both risks and benefits, and those tradeoffs deserve careful analysis. But when activism scales from local meetings to national political campaigns, communities must ask whether decisions are being shaped by local consensus or broader ideological agendas.

As debates continue, transparency, balanced evidence, and open dialogue will be essential. Louisiana’s future should not be determined solely by the loudest voices, but by careful consideration of economic realities.