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A town on the brink of extinction: Modeste is facing an acute concentration of industry as a proposed new development threatens to engulf it

Delaney Nolan on the town of Modeste and a new giant industrial park planned for the area.
by Carolyne Heldman

This week on Behind The Lens, a lawsuit targets the rezoning of land for industry, which would displace hundreds in Modeste, a predominantly Black community in Ascension Parish. Buyouts for a petrochemical complex threaten to erase Modeste.

Our guest this week is The Lens environmental reporter Delaney Nolan.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music “On a Wing” by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com.

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.

View all posts by Carolyne Heldman