Laurene Allen
Laurene Allen | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupations | Environmental health activist, community organizer |
| Known for | Advocacy against PFAS contamination in New Hampshire |
| Awards | Goldman Environmental Prize (2025) |
Laurene Allen is an American community and environmental health activist based in Merrimack, New Hampshire. She is known for her work addressing contamination from PFAS linked to the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics plant in Merrimack. In 2025, Allen received the Goldman Environmental Prize for North America for her community-based efforts to raise awareness of PFAS pollution and advocate for stronger environmental protections in New Hampshire.[1][2]
Background
Allen has lived in Merrimack since the 1980s and previously worked as a clinical social worker.[3] She became involved in environmental issues after local water tests revealed elevated PFAS levels in 2016.[2] At that time, the contamination was traced to emissions from the nearby Saint-Gobain facility.
Environmental activism
Following the discovery, Allen helped organize residents to seek more information from state agencies and the company involved.[4] She co-founded the group Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, which began hosting meetings, collecting data on affected households, and advocating for remediation.[1] The organization later helped establish the National PFAS Contamination Coalition, linking communities facing similar pollution issues across the United States.[5]
Allen and other local advocates pressed for increased testing, bottled water distribution, and long-term cleanup under state supervision.[6] Their sustained advocacy contributed to new state water regulations on PFAS limits and public treatment systems.[7]
Closure of the Saint-Gobain plant
In 2023, Saint-Gobain announced it would permanently close its Merrimack facility, citing economic factors and regulatory uncertainty.[6] Local reporting described the decision as a result of ongoing scrutiny and enforcement actions following years of complaints from residents and environmental groups.[8] Cleanup and remediation efforts remain under review by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.[9]
Recognition
In April 2025, Allen was named the North American recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize.[1] The award recognized her efforts to mobilize affected residents, promote community health research, and encourage policy changes to reduce PFAS exposure.[10][11] The prize citation highlighted her evidence-based advocacy and involvement in environmental justice initiatives.[1]
See also
- Environmental justice in the United States
- Goldman Environmental Prize
- Water pollution in the United States
References
- ^ a b c d "Laurene Allen". Goldman Environmental Prize. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Merrimack, NH PFAS advocate wins Goldman Environmental Prize". NHPR. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ Kusnetz, Nicholas (26 April 2025). "She galvanized her community after a company contaminated it with "forever chemicals",". Inside Climate News. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Merrimack resident honored for fight against PFAS pollution after years of grassroots activism". Environmental Health News. 22 April 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "National PFAS Contamination Coalition". PFAS Project Lab. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Saint-Gobain to close New Hampshire plant blamed for PFAS water contamination". Associated Press. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Saint-Gobain to demolish Merrimack plant tied to PFAS contamination next year". New Hampshire Bulletin. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Investigation finds Saint-Gobain was aware it could be spreading toxic chemicals in Merrimack". NHPR. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "PFAS Response Program". New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Goldman prize recognises activists fighting corporate power and pollution". The Guardian. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ^ "Winners of annual Goldman Environmental Prize to be honoured in San Francisco". San Francisco Chronicle. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.