Ben Pauli
@benjaminjpauli.bsky.social
Assoc. Prof. of Social Science, Kettering University
Author of Flint Fights Back
President of the Board, Env. Transformation Mvmt of Flint (etmflint.org)
Acting Chair, Flint Water System Advisory Council
Member, Nat'l Environmental Justice Advisory Council
Author of Flint Fights Back
President of the Board, Env. Transformation Mvmt of Flint (etmflint.org)
Acting Chair, Flint Water System Advisory Council
Member, Nat'l Environmental Justice Advisory Council
Pinned
Ben Pauli
@benjaminjpauli.bsky.social
· Nov 17
Benjamin J. Pauli, "Flint Fights Back: Environmental Justice and Democracy in the Flint Water Crisis" (MIT Press, 2019) - New Books Network
newbooksnetwork.com
Pinning here my (relatively) recent interview with the New Books Network about where things stand in Flint ten years after the start of the water crisis and five years after the publication of my book Flint Fights Back: newbooksnetwork.com/flint-fights...
Great interview with my friend Benjie about how to work toward a more peaceful world! www.counterpunch.org/2025/10/30/p...
Professor of Peace Shares His Expertise
Ever since 7th grade when I first learned of Ghandhi’s nonviolent protests, I’ve often pondered the elusiveness of peace. Someone once said to me, “Humans
www.counterpunch.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Great interview with my friend Benjie about how to work toward a more peaceful world! www.counterpunch.org/2025/10/30/p...
So much water crisis recovery work in Flint, including the nearly-complete effort to replace lead pipes, has been carried out by unsung community members. Last night was a chance to honor them. Special thanks to the Kettering University students who helped!
www.michiganpublic.org/transportati...
www.michiganpublic.org/transportati...
Flint activists celebrate milestone in city's recovery from water crisis
In a church hall, dozens of people gathered to celebrate the near-completion of efforts to replace all of the city’s lead service lines.
www.michiganpublic.org
May 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
So much water crisis recovery work in Flint, including the nearly-complete effort to replace lead pipes, has been carried out by unsung community members. Last night was a chance to honor them. Special thanks to the Kettering University students who helped!
www.michiganpublic.org/transportati...
www.michiganpublic.org/transportati...
Thank you to Kristie Ellickson and @ucsusa.bsky.social for bringing attention to the now-suspended work of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Stay tuned for more as we seek ways of carrying that work forward! blog.ucs.org/kellickson/u...
“Unfinished Business”: Experts Speak Out After Trump Administration Dismantles NEJAC
Now that the Trump administration has disbanded this advisory council—along with much of the EJ work of the EPA. The experts I spoke with are worried not just about the substance of their work, but ab...
blog.ucs.org
May 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Thank you to Kristie Ellickson and @ucsusa.bsky.social for bringing attention to the now-suspended work of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Stay tuned for more as we seek ways of carrying that work forward! blog.ucs.org/kellickson/u...
“Despite efforts from local residents, health experts, and activists, many in the community feel that justice has not been fully served, and the long-term consequences of the crisis continue to affect lives today…” www.mlive.com/news/flint/2...
Flint marks 11th anniversary of water crisis with town hall to demand justice
The event, hosted at UAW Local 659 in Flint, was an emotional and candid gathering, highlighting the unresolved issues still impacting the community a decade after the water crisis began.
www.mlive.com
April 26, 2025 at 1:57 PM
“Despite efforts from local residents, health experts, and activists, many in the community feel that justice has not been fully served, and the long-term consequences of the crisis continue to affect lives today…” www.mlive.com/news/flint/2...
Reposted by Ben Pauli
Hey University of Michigan union supporters, Michigan union supporters, Michiganders, or union supporters (international travelers will definitely get at least 2 BEERS on me) come to downtown Flint for this rally tomorrow. Our admin is acting like jerks, so we need to have a good showing!!
April 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Hey University of Michigan union supporters, Michigan union supporters, Michiganders, or union supporters (international travelers will definitely get at least 2 BEERS on me) come to downtown Flint for this rally tomorrow. Our admin is acting like jerks, so we need to have a good showing!!
Thanks to @ehnewsroom.bsky.social for publishing my commentary on the connection between EJ at EPA and community-based environmental advocacy. Here’s to hoping that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council will be able to continue its important work: www.ehn.org/flint-epa-ne...
I live in Flint, Michigan. Shuttering environmental justice at EPA hurts communities like mine.
I serve on the EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, and I believe its preservation is critical.
www.ehn.org
April 3, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Thanks to @ehnewsroom.bsky.social for publishing my commentary on the connection between EJ at EPA and community-based environmental advocacy. Here’s to hoping that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council will be able to continue its important work: www.ehn.org/flint-epa-ne...
A while back, I was invited by Films for the Feminist Classroom to review a couple of water-related documentaries, including @leanahosea.bsky.social's Thirst for Justice. For those who are interested, the review is now live: ffc.twu.edu/Issue_13-1/r...
Films for the Feminist Classroom - Issue 13.1
ffc.twu.edu
March 24, 2025 at 8:21 PM
A while back, I was invited by Films for the Feminist Classroom to review a couple of water-related documentaries, including @leanahosea.bsky.social's Thirst for Justice. For those who are interested, the review is now live: ffc.twu.edu/Issue_13-1/r...
"The Trump administration is making accusations of fraud, waste, and abuse associated with federal environmental justice programs...But the real waste, fraud, and abuse would be to strip away these funds from the American people." www.ehn.org/epa-environm...
An open letter from EPA staff to the American public
"This is not about defending our paychecks. This is about protecting the health of our communities."
www.ehn.org
March 21, 2025 at 12:57 PM
"The Trump administration is making accusations of fraud, waste, and abuse associated with federal environmental justice programs...But the real waste, fraud, and abuse would be to strip away these funds from the American people." www.ehn.org/epa-environm...
“‘When I think of equality, something that we have fought for all of our lives…that's what we're gonna continue to fight for, that's not political for me,’ [Superintendent Kevelin] Jones said. ‘It's just who we are and what we do.’” midmichigannow.com/news/local/f...
Flint schools stand firm on diversity programs amid federal pressure
FLINT, Mich. — Flint Community Schools is standing firm in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite calls from the Trump adm
midmichigannow.com
February 24, 2025 at 3:49 PM
“‘When I think of equality, something that we have fought for all of our lives…that's what we're gonna continue to fight for, that's not political for me,’ [Superintendent Kevelin] Jones said. ‘It's just who we are and what we do.’” midmichigannow.com/news/local/f...
Big news related to the Flint Water Crisis civil lawsuits: wwmt.com/news/state/v...
Veolia North America agrees to pay $53 million Flint water settlement
FLINT, Mich. - Veolia North America (Veolia), an engineering company that was facing allegations for contributions to the Flint Water Crisis, has agreed to pay
wwmt.com
February 21, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Big news related to the Flint Water Crisis civil lawsuits: wwmt.com/news/state/v...
Reposted by Ben Pauli
“We Feel Terrorized”: EPA Employees Decide to Stay or Go Under Trump
#news #environment #pollution
@fastlerner.bsky.social and @pratheekrebala.bsky.social report for @theguardian.com
EJ Today Headlines: www.sej.org/headlines/list
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
#news #environment #pollution
@fastlerner.bsky.social and @pratheekrebala.bsky.social report for @theguardian.com
EJ Today Headlines: www.sej.org/headlines/list
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
“We Feel Terrorized”: What EPA Employees Say About the Decision to Stay or Go Under Trump
More than 300 career employees at the Environmental Protection Agency have left. Those who remain face a painful decision: resign or work for an administration that plans to radically reshape the EPA ...
www.propublica.org
February 10, 2025 at 1:12 PM
“We Feel Terrorized”: EPA Employees Decide to Stay or Go Under Trump
#news #environment #pollution
@fastlerner.bsky.social and @pratheekrebala.bsky.social report for @theguardian.com
EJ Today Headlines: www.sej.org/headlines/list
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
#news #environment #pollution
@fastlerner.bsky.social and @pratheekrebala.bsky.social report for @theguardian.com
EJ Today Headlines: www.sej.org/headlines/list
www.propublica.org/article/epa-...
Reposted by Ben Pauli
"Environmentalists expressed alarm about the moves, which, if successful, would in effect prohibit the government from ever requiring lead line replacement in the future, or lowering lead limits."
Republicans move to repeal lead limits imposed by Biden-era rules
US government would be prohibited from ever mandating lead pipe replacement or lowering lead limits in water
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2025 at 1:47 PM
"Environmentalists expressed alarm about the moves, which, if successful, would in effect prohibit the government from ever requiring lead line replacement in the future, or lowering lead limits."
"A judge has rejected the federal gov.’s claim that it can’t be held responsible for failed oversight during the Flint water crisis...[The case] claims EPA did not follow its mandates and directives in responding to the water crisis, failing to intervene for months..." www.mlive.com/news/flint/2...
Flint water crisis lawsuit against EPA can move forward, federal judge rules
A judge has rejected the federal government’s claim that it can’t be held responsible for failed oversight during the Flint water crisis.
www.mlive.com
February 4, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"A judge has rejected the federal gov.’s claim that it can’t be held responsible for failed oversight during the Flint water crisis...[The case] claims EPA did not follow its mandates and directives in responding to the water crisis, failing to intervene for months..." www.mlive.com/news/flint/2...
Reposted by Ben Pauli
🧵 On January 11, 1937, striking General Motors workers battled Flint police at GM's Fisher Body No. 2 in a bloody night of fighting and a turning point in the Sit-Down Strike.
January 11, 2025 at 10:14 PM
🧵 On January 11, 1937, striking General Motors workers battled Flint police at GM's Fisher Body No. 2 in a bloody night of fighting and a turning point in the Sit-Down Strike.
Reposted by Ben Pauli
The 1979 legal challenge to dumping garbage on Black Houston, 1990 Dumping in Dixie, and 1994 Clinton EJ Exec Order were not about Affirmative Action. Biden's 2023 EJ Exec. Order was not DEI. Equal access to clean air & water and safe environments to live are RIGHTS of all Americans, not DEI.
January 23, 2025 at 4:07 PM
The 1979 legal challenge to dumping garbage on Black Houston, 1990 Dumping in Dixie, and 1994 Clinton EJ Exec Order were not about Affirmative Action. Biden's 2023 EJ Exec. Order was not DEI. Equal access to clean air & water and safe environments to live are RIGHTS of all Americans, not DEI.
Almost 11 years after the disastrous switch to the Flint River, residents still have not received a dime of reparations from the institutions responsible. Many have died waiting. www.mlive.com/news/flint/2...
Flint water settlement payments delayed by thousands of appeals and reconsiderations
Thousands of requests for reconsideration and appeals of claims seeking a piece of the $626-million Flint water crisis settlement fund have helped delay the payment of more than 27,000 approved claims...
www.mlive.com
January 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Almost 11 years after the disastrous switch to the Flint River, residents still have not received a dime of reparations from the institutions responsible. Many have died waiting. www.mlive.com/news/flint/2...
Got a chance to see "The Fire Inside" today--if it's playing in a theater near you, check it out! Featuring the story of two-time Olympic gold medalist and GWOAT, Flint's own Claressa Shields!
Ryan Destiny, Rachel Morrison and Claressa Shields talk about bringing the Olympic boxer’s little-known life story to the silver screen.
‘The Fire Inside’ Isn’t Just A Stirring Sports Drama. It’s ‘An Inspirational Life Movie,’ Too.
Ryan Destiny, Rachel Morrison and Claressa Shields talk about bringing the Olympic boxer’s little-known life story to the silver screen.
www.huffpost.com
December 29, 2024 at 3:07 AM
Got a chance to see "The Fire Inside" today--if it's playing in a theater near you, check it out! Featuring the story of two-time Olympic gold medalist and GWOAT, Flint's own Claressa Shields!
I was interviewed recently for this piece by @eos.org on the status and legacy of the Flint water crisis after 10 years and ongoing efforts to advance environmental protection and environmental justice in Flint and beyond:
The Flint water crisis played a huge role in making environmental justice a priority for state and federal lawmakers. But 10 years later, there’s still work to do.
Comments from @benjaminjpauli.bsky.social and @oliviadavid.bsky.social
eos.org/articles/fli...
Comments from @benjaminjpauli.bsky.social and @oliviadavid.bsky.social
eos.org/articles/fli...
Flint, 10 Years Later - Eos
In the decade since the start of the Flint water crisis, policymakers and communities have made improvements to the lives of residents, but opportunities for progress remain.
eos.org
December 24, 2024 at 6:24 PM
I was interviewed recently for this piece by @eos.org on the status and legacy of the Flint water crisis after 10 years and ongoing efforts to advance environmental protection and environmental justice in Flint and beyond:
Big development in efforts to keep the Flint River free of industrial waste:
December 24, 2024 at 5:08 AM
Big development in efforts to keep the Flint River free of industrial waste:
(1/2) Flint-related book announcement! "[In Dear Mrs. River-Dragon,] Vivian Kao documents her family's efforts to acclimate to Flint...focusing on the challenges of being an Asian-American woman and mother in a marginalized city where AAPI residents comprise less than one percent of the community."
December 15, 2024 at 3:39 PM
(1/2) Flint-related book announcement! "[In Dear Mrs. River-Dragon,] Vivian Kao documents her family's efforts to acclimate to Flint...focusing on the challenges of being an Asian-American woman and mother in a marginalized city where AAPI residents comprise less than one percent of the community."
“I feel like in Flint, art is for everybody…not only for people who have degrees in art or for those who have a lot of money and collect art.” www.flintside.com/inthenews/bu...
Get to know Buckham Gallery's 5th Writer in Residence, Vivian Kao
Poet Vivian Kao looks forward to a year of interacting with art and creating new works as Buckham Gallery's fifth Writer in Residence.
www.flintside.com
December 5, 2024 at 1:08 AM
“I feel like in Flint, art is for everybody…not only for people who have degrees in art or for those who have a lot of money and collect art.” www.flintside.com/inthenews/bu...
Sharing the news of this new collection, to which I contributed an article on social scientific analyses of the Flint Water Crisis. Although the article itself is behind a paywall, I’m happy to discuss this topic with anyone who’s interested!
🔔 Out now: Encyclopedia of Technological #Hazards and #Disasters in the Social Sciences by Duane A. Gill, Liesel A. Ritchie & Nnenia M. Campbell
FREE chapter: doi.org/10.4337/9781...
More info: www.e-elgar.com/shop/isbn/97...
@kschmutina.bsky.social @benjaminjpauli.bsky.social
FREE chapter: doi.org/10.4337/9781...
More info: www.e-elgar.com/shop/isbn/97...
@kschmutina.bsky.social @benjaminjpauli.bsky.social
November 26, 2024 at 11:49 PM
Sharing the news of this new collection, to which I contributed an article on social scientific analyses of the Flint Water Crisis. Although the article itself is behind a paywall, I’m happy to discuss this topic with anyone who’s interested!
In Sept, I delivered the keynote at the Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference and the recording is now up. I discussed the history and status of the Flint Water Crisis and the influence of the crisis on regulatory reform and the environmental justice landscape: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Py...
Flint Fights Back: Environmental Justice & Democracy in the Flint Water Crisis - Conference Keynote
YouTube video by Iowa Environmental Council
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2024 at 2:40 AM
In Sept, I delivered the keynote at the Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference and the recording is now up. I discussed the history and status of the Flint Water Crisis and the influence of the crisis on regulatory reform and the environmental justice landscape: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Py...
Pinning here my (relatively) recent interview with the New Books Network about where things stand in Flint ten years after the start of the water crisis and five years after the publication of my book Flint Fights Back: newbooksnetwork.com/flint-fights...
Benjamin J. Pauli, "Flint Fights Back: Environmental Justice and Democracy in the Flint Water Crisis" (MIT Press, 2019) - New Books Network
newbooksnetwork.com
November 17, 2024 at 9:56 PM
Pinning here my (relatively) recent interview with the New Books Network about where things stand in Flint ten years after the start of the water crisis and five years after the publication of my book Flint Fights Back: newbooksnetwork.com/flint-fights...