A critical look at the movement for environmental justice When Bill Clinton signed an Executive Order on Environmental Justice in 1994 the phenomenon of environmental racism--the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards particularly toxic waste dumps and polluting factories on people of color and low-income communities--gained unprecedented recognition. Behind that momentous signature however lies a remarkable tale of grassroots activism and political mobilization. Today thousands of activists in hundreds of locales are fighting for their children their communities their quality of life and their health. From the Ground Up critically examines one of the fastest growing social movements in the United States--the movement for environmental justice. Tracing the movement s roots Luke Cole and Sheila Foster combine long-time activism with powerful storytelling to provide gripping case studies of communities across the US--towns like Kettleman City California; Chester Pennsylvania; and Dilkon Arizona--and their struggles against corporate polluters. The authors use social economic and legal analysis to reveal the historical and contemporary causes for environmental racism. Environmental justice struggles they demonstrate transform individuals communities institutions and the nation as a whole.