Sunflower Alliance
Sunflower Alliance fights on the front lines against fossil fuel pollution by opposing the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, mainly in the East Bay. The Alliance was created after the 2012 Chevron refinery fire in Richmond that hospitalized thousands, inspiring local activists to organize for environmental justice in their own community. The group got its name because protesters carried sunflowers—plants that naturally absorb pollution from contaminated soil—during their march against Chevron.
“I’d been politically active my entire life, but I said to myself, ‘Why am I not working on issues right in my own backyard?”
Shoshana Wechsler, Cofounder
Chevron explosion in 2012. Photo courtesy Communities for a Better Environment
Focus
- Fossil fuels
- Toxic pollution & environmental justice
- Just transition
Sunflower Alliance’s campaigns focus on reducing pollution from existing oil refineries and opposing new oil and gas drilling in Contra Costa. They monitor for air quality violations and have successfully campaigned to ban oil drilling in Antioch and Brentwood. The Alliance is also pushing for “just transition” programs to help workers find new jobs as refineries close.
Get Involved
Sunflower Alliance sends out a regular newsletter to their community of more than 4,000 activists. Sign up for the newsletter here to get updates on current campaigns.
Email action@sunflower-alliance.org to become a volunteer.
