In the summer of 2024, the Green House Connection Center (GHCC) had the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with Justin Nobel, investigative journalist and author of Petroleum 238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It. Justin’s work has become a cornerstone for exposing the oil and gas industry’s dark underbelly, uncovering the hidden dangers of radioactive waste produced through these practices.
This journey began back in 2020 with Justin’s groundbreaking article America’s Radioactive Secret, a 20-month investigation revealing that the oil and gas industry generates nearly a trillion gallons of toxic waste each year. That story opened the door to deeper revelations, culminating in his book, Petroleum 238. The book not only highlights industry whistleblowers but also shines a spotlight on the decades-long suppression of knowledge about the radioactive contamination affecting workers and the environment alike.
As part of the Petroleum 238 book tour, GHCC was honored to join Justin for a panel discussion. Founder Harmony spoke about her insights while working for oil and gas. This event brought together activists, community members, and environmental advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and solutions tied to the oil and gas industry’s legacy of harm.
I had the privilege of opening the event with a poem I wrote specifically for the book, also titled Petroleum 238. This poem was my way of processing the magnitude of injustice detailed in Justin’s work, channeling the anger, grief, and hope that comes with confronting such truths. Standing in front of an audience deeply invested in environmental justice, I felt the power of art as a bridge—connecting the emotional and the factual, and fostering a shared sense of urgency.
The event was more than a panel; it was a call to action. Participants shared their own stories of activism, including their struggles and triumphs in holding the oil and gas industry accountable. More on the event can be found HERE.