We’ll miss you, James!
Our beloved community organizer, James Cato, is moving on to pursue his MFA in creative writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, one of the most prestigious writing programs in the country! We wish him the best of luck in this new chapter of his career!
After graduating from Oberlin College with degrees in Environmental Studies and Psychology, James joined MWA in October 2020. He relocated from Ohio to Pittsburgh, where he developed a deep appreciation for the Laurel Highlands. Although he’s a self-described “landlubber,” James even developed an affinity for canoeing during his time protecting the Youghiogheny River watershed.
James has been an integral part of our team, playing a key role in starting MWA’s nurdle patrol program. Since 2020, he has regularly patrolled the Ohio River for plastic pellets near manufacturing sites, particularly the Shell Ethane Cracker Plant. James spent countless hours combing through samples of dirt and debris on the hunt for plastic pollution, and he worked to expand the nurdle patrol program through partnership with Three Rivers Waterkeeper in 2021. Those long efforts paid off, providing the basis for an ongoing lawsuit that Three Rivers Waterkeeper brought against Styropek.
A passionate organizer, James has also become close with the community in Yukon, PA. He jumped at the opportunity to help the people of Yukon fight against a hazardous waste landfill with a long history of non-compliance and pollution. James also helped mobilize the folks of Fayette County to reject a proposed oil and gas wastewater injection well in Nicholson Township. This campaign ended in a huge win, when Fayette County commissioners passed an ordinance protecting residents from future injection well development.
All causes are important, but James became particularly close with the community in West Newton, where he helped locals organize and establish their own environmental group, Yough Communities CARE. This group came together to oppose a gas-fired power plant proposed along the river near the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. After the proposal was finally defeated in 2023, the group decided to stick together to safeguard their corner of the watershed against future potential harms. This campaign was a tremendous success, and a testament to his work as an organizer.
During his time with MWA, James also served as the manager of the Direct Support Fund, which distributes small grants to grassroots groups throughout the Ohio River Valley. Under his leadership, the fund significantly expanded its reach, particularly in Ohio and West Virginia. Since James started in 2020, the Direct Support Fund distributed more than $475,000 to 100 grassroots projects advocating for environmental justice – an incredible accomplishment in resourcing critical work in the region.
We’ll miss James for his infectious enthusiasm, positive attitude, terrific work ethic, and the pictures of his pet snake. But we’re so excited to see what he accomplishes next!
Check out his writing work here!