This CHE Alaska webinar will examine how state and local policy initiatives are shaping the future of chemical safety and public health protection. Featuring Pamela Miller of Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT), Gretchen Salter of Safer States, and Senator Gray-Jackson. The session will explore how prevention-focused policies, community-driven advocacy, and strong coalitions are helping reduce toxic chemical exposures across the country.
Safer States is a national alliance of environmental health organizations and coalitions from across the nation working to safeguard people and the planet from toxic chemicals, and to ensure availability of safer solutions for a healthier world. Led by state-based organizations, the alliance seeks government and corporate action that lead to safer chemicals and materials, and protection of public health and communities by transitioning away from harmful chemicals and holding chemical polluters accountable.
The speakers will discuss Safer States’ role in advancing protective state policies, supporting transparency and accountability, and elevating health and environmental justice in decision-making. The webinar will also highlight the importance of research, organizing, and cross-state collaboration in building durable policy solutions that protect vulnerable communities and promote healthier, safer environments for all.
Featured Speakers
Gretchen Salter is the Policy Director for Safer States. Since 2005, Gretchen has been a leading advocate in the environmental health movement. Drawing on her experience as an organizer in electoral politics, she spearheaded campaigns in California to eliminate toxic chemicals from children’s products and advocated for programs that improved disclosure in cosmetic products and cleaning products. Gretchen was also instrumental in creating California’s comprehensive program to eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products. Gretchen served as the California representative to Safer States until she joined the Safer States team in 2015. Since then, she has been advising lawmakers on chemical policies as well as building new campaigns and coalitions to further the creation of a just and sustainable economy.
Pamela Miller, the founder and Executive Director of ACAT since 1997, brings more than 35 years of research, education, and advocacy experience to her present work. In 2016, Pam was elected as Co-Chair of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), a coalition of more than 600 environmental health and justice organizations working in 124 countries. She is also a principal investigator for community-based research projects supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson began her public service career with the Municipality of Anchorage at the Public Transit Department 37 years ago. In 1988, she began working for the Anchorage Assembly. Her service began first as an Administrative Assistant, then as Senior Budget Analyst and, finally, as Director of the Budget and Legislative Services Office. In 2005, Elvi worked for Municipal Light and Power as Director of the Alaska Energy Railbelt Authority; a joint action agency with three electric utility members. Elvi served on the Anchorage Assembly (Midtown-District 4) from 2008 to 2017. She was Vice-Chair from December 2015 to April 2016, and Chair from April 2016 to April 2017. She also served on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of Alaska; Woodside East Homeowners Association; the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors, and the NLC Finance and Investment Advisory Committees. She is a recipient of the Women of Achievement Award and is a recipient of multiple other distinguished awards and recognitions.
This webinar will be hosted by the CHE-Alaska Partnership, which is coordinated by Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT). Driven by a core belief in environmental justice, ACAT empowers communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through collaborative research, shared science, education, organizing, and advocacy.