October 24, 2020

St. James Parish Council

P.O. Box 176

Vacherie, LA 70090

Dear Honorable Members:

On behalf of our sisters and associates in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area, we ask you to immediately rescind your land use approval for Formosa Plastics 14 plant chemical complex.

Our congregation is deeply committed to the knowledge that we are all one and all is connected. We know that care for earth and care for the poor are closely intertwined. Land, environment, equality, and health are all threatened by the plans of Formosa Plastics in St. James Parish.

In Exodus, 3:7, Scripture reminds us that “the Lord said, “I have witnessed the affliction of my people…and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering.” With a deep relationship on our part, to your parish and the surrounding areas of southern Louisiana, we urge you to listen to the cries of your community. Formosa has not dealt with the St. James Parish with integrity or with any indication of commitment to making lives better. Although new jobs might be created, the resulting devastation to the health and ecosystem will soon offset any benefits. Increased poverty, poor health, racism and profitability to flawed corporate entities that continue to pollute and exploit Louisiana’s natural resources will be the legacy of allowing the Formosa decision to stand.

We join our voice with many others and pray you to take action and act justly against any further plans for Formosa Plastics to proceed in St. James Parish.

With hopes for a bright future for St. James Parish,

Sister Dianne Fanguy

Congregation of St. Joseph

3134 Hundred Oaks Ave.

Baton Rouge, LA   70808