Downwinders at Risk

Janie Cisneros is suing the City of Dallas for denying her the right to apply for a public hearing to close the GAF shingles plant next to her neighborhood, citing the City's discretionary decision to suspend her right to apply and the City's recent amendment to delete this right from residents and property owners.

West Dallas residents are still waiting for the EPA's reports highlighting the impacts of industry groups in their neighborhood.

A proposed code amendment could prevent environmental justice efforts to battle industry polluters, like amortization efforts in West Dallas.

West Dallas residents oppose GAF's renewal application at TCEQ's public meeting, hoping their concerns will be considered in the final decision.

Residents want to stop potential large industrial projects that could hinder the health of the community and environment.

A neighborhood-led plan "will be used to shape the future of West Dallas for the next 10 to 20 years,” and act to "slow down the fast-paced gentrification that is running a risk of literally changing the thread of our community and wiping away the history," says James Armstrong III.

From putting pressure on lead smelters in the 1980s to ongoing pushback against roofing manufacturer GAF, environmental justice issues in West Dallas have been community issues.

West Dallas residents affected by power outages were provided with food, water, blankets, light and hope by volunteers, while environmental justice advocacy group Downwinders At Risk encouraged neighbors to submit public comments to push back against the presence of roofing plant GAF in their neighborhood.

GAF is North America’s leading roofing manufacturer, and its federal permit is up for renewal. West Dallas neighbors are seizing the opportunity to fight against GAF’s presence in their neighborhood.