Environmental justice aims to protect all people from pollution that negatively impacts health, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity. Studies have found that poor and minority communities face greater health risks from exposure to hazardous substances. US laws require federal agencies to incorporate environmental justice policies into enforcement and regulatory efforts. Organizations promote safe workplaces and monitor government agencies for discriminatory policies affecting minorities and the poor.
Environmental justice evolved in response to research that people living in poor and minority communities face increased risks from hazardous waste pollution. Promotes the belief that all people deserve protection from pollution that negatively impacts health. Environmental justice prohibits discrimination based on socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity when planning industrial facilities that pollute the air, water, or soil.
These policies are based on the premise of environmental racism uncovered when studies evaluated exposure to hazards in different communities. The research measured the proximity of hazardous waste sites and polluting industrial plants to poor and minority communities. Findings varied as to the cause of the disproportionate risks, but revealed inequities regarding where these industries were located.
Environmental justice studies have found that poor and minority communities were exposed to more toxic emissions and faced greater health risks from exposure to noxious air, water, pesticides and heavy metals than white communities. The research also found unfairness in government enforcement to clean up dangerous sites in these regions. Members of these communities have typically not been involved in the permitting process to permit industrial facilities.
Studies have found that people who live in economically depressed communities suffer more health problems than those who live in more affluent areas. Minorities are diagnosed with more cancer, diabetes and heart ailments and are more exposed to hazardous substances at work. Poorly educated people also face an increased risk of health ailments.
US laws enacted in 1994 required all federal agencies to develop plans to incorporate environmental justice policies into enforcement, policymaking, and regulatory efforts. The legislation led to the formation of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, a commission that advises the US Environmental Protection Agency on the adverse environmental impacts of certain facilities. The advice suggests when polluters should be penalized and helps ensure public participation in decisions that put them at risk.
These regulations stem from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes it illegal to discriminate based on a person’s national origin, race, or color when federal funding is involved. The law addresses the unfair effects of decisions, as well as intentional and outright discrimination. The Civil Rights Act prohibits policies that inadvertently cause injustice.
Organizations that promote environmental justice work to ensure safe workplaces for all people. They also monitor government agencies for discriminatory policies affecting minorities and the poor. These groups promote citizen participation in communities where hazardous waste sites or industrial operations are proposed.
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