For example, a recent LA Times story featured members of a South LA community living next to an oil extraction site who were experiencing dizziness, nose bleeds, and headaches. For over a year, PSR-LA had been working with the community to take air samples, survey the health complaints of residents, and talking to policy makers about the health and social impacts of urban oil extraction. The media coverage led to an inquiry from Senator Barbara Boxer, which in turn led to an EPA investigation.

Last month, the oil company, Allenco, announced it would suspend operations pending further environmental review. This local victory demonstrates what is possible when the credibility of physicians is paired with the moral authority of impacted communities. We will continue to work with residents, health professionals and others ensure that policy makers know that fossil fuel extraction comes at great personal costs to communities, and that a clear upstream solution is investing in renewable energy.

http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-1213-fumes-20131216,0,832064.story