The 32nd Annual Red Clay Conference, titled “Overcoming Toxic Relationships,” addressed coal ash disposal, brownfield redevelopment in Georgia and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.

The Peter Appel Lecture was delivered by environmental activist Lois Gibbs, who is known for her work with New York’s Love Canal. Her efforts led to the creation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this fund is used “to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants.” Gibbs is the founder and executive director of the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (formerly known as the Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste) that trains and supports local activists with efforts to combat environmental crises in their communities.

Organized by law students who are members of Environmental Law Association, the Red Clay Conference aims to increase public awareness of environmental issues of regional, national and international significance through a series of educational presentations and open forum discussions. This event was associated with UGA’s Earth Day 50th Anniversary Celebration.