Justin Nobel holds a Master of Science in Journalism and Master of Arts in Earth & Environmental Science from Columbia University, with a focus on alternative energy, biodiversity, disease ecology, and journalism. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Earth and Environmental Science from Duke University.

As an investigative journalist, Justin has researched and reported on oil & gas development across the US. His most recent book, Petroleum-238, documents petrochemical companies’ awareness of carcinogenic and radioactive properties of the toxic waste being dumped into our water and released into our air. For over seven years, Justin traveled through industrial sacrifice zones in Alabama, New York, and Ohio, learning from people who have endured the consequences of the industry’s recklessness.

In Petroleum-238, Justin documents the lack of regulation throughout the fossil fuel industry. As a result of regulatory “loopholes,” gas and oil waste has been “spilled, spread, injected, dumped, and emitted across the country – including being used to fertilize crops, de-ice roads, and even to build school playgrounds.”

Justin Nobel’s stories have been published in Best American Science and Nature Writing 2014 and Best American Travel Writing 2011 and 2016. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Tin House, Orion, Nautilus and Oxford American. Books by Justin Nobel include Standing Still in a Concrete Jungle, and The Story of Dan Bright: Crime, Corruption and Injustice in the Crescent City.

Petroleum–238 began with Nobel’s widely acclaimed Rolling Stone magazine article published in 2020, America’s Radioactive Secret. Oil-and-gas wells produce nearly a trillion gallons of toxic waste a year. An investigation shows how it could be making workers sick and contaminating communities across America.

Join us on Friday, May 17 at 7pm as Justin leads a discussion on Petroleum-238. West Virginian pianist Pierson Keating will perform live. Third Act Ohio and Northeast Ohio Sierra Club are co-hosting this event and members from both groups will be available with information about how their groups are taking action. Mack’s Backs Books will have copies of Petroleum-238 available for sale.

Be part of the conversation on May 17 at 7pm in person at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44117. Or join us on Zoom by registering at this link. Watch for updates on our facebook event.