Founded in 1995 as Unidos Contra Environmental Racism, TEJ.A.S. was co-founded by Juan Parras and Ana Parras. Over the past 30 years, they have built Houston’s grassroots response to environmental injustice—grounded in community education, advocacy, legal action, and mutual support

Core Programs & Activities

• Toxic Tours: Originated nearly two decades ago, these guided educational tours expose frontline communities to petrochemical pollution and industrial hazards in Houston’s “fenceline” neighborhoods

• Environmental Education: Interactive grassroots workshops, community events, and youth programs designed to inform and mobilize residents around environmental justice issues

• Mutual Aid & Community Building: Hosting support networks, agency navigation workshops, and mutual aid for vulnerable residents impacted by environmental crises

🧠 Impact, Partnerships & Advocacy

• Legal & Policy Work: TEJ.A.S. has led civil‑rights actions to enforce Title VI protections and language access through collaboration with Sierra Club and Earthjustice, holding state regulators (TCEQ) accountable

• Youth & Education: Partnered with Furr High School to establish the first environmental justice–focused school in the U.S., enabling student-led citizen science, agroforestry, and environmental media production

• Campaigns: Advocated for stricter emission regulations, increased community oversight, and public transparency in environmental permitting processes