Waking Up the Dream State describes Louisiana's long march toward environmental protection through nine lawsuits that have brought the state into the new era. All these cases, which range from the Vieux Carré Expressway to the "world's largest incinerator" to the collapse of the Louisiana Coastal Zone, rise from small communities who have been burdened by toxic waste, displacement by major highways, contaminated water, and the loss of fishery resources. Photos and in-depth descriptions bring to life the stories of the people involved; ordinary people against the odds--and institutions as mighty as the Corps of Engineers, the state Department of Highways, and the powerful petrochemical industry.Waking Up the Dream State details the outcomes of these cases: the triumphant victories as well as the devastating losses. Win or lose, Louisiana will be forever indebted to its citizens who had the courage to bring these cases against industrial giants and powerful agencies.