Module 8: Environmental Justice

Mieh300 Final Exam

Define environmental justice (EPA)

the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies

Define environmental justice (goal)

everyone has the same degree of environmental protection and equal access to the decision-making process that shapes the environment in which they live

Define Environmental Injustice

when the prevalence of harm or risk is a product of another group or society seeking their own benefits by taking advantage of others

Define redlining

a historical and systematic practice that involved denying services to primarily black and other minority communities based on the racial or ethnic composition of the neighborhoods they lived in

1991: First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit

broadened perspective from anti-toxic chemical to more public and environmental health issues

1992: EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice

Created by Environmental Equity Workgroup,

integration of environmental justice into EPA policies

point of contact for environmental justice outreach

technical and financial assistance

1993: President Clinton signed the federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

First major federal action for EJ

Highlighted the disproportionate burden of environmental pollution and its effects on POC

Brought legitimacy and attention to EJ movement

Four Cumulative Impacts of Inequalities

Health disparities exist

Environmental disparities also exist

Intrinsic factors can increase health risks

Extrinsic factors can amplify effects of environmental exposures

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)

empower communities in the Southwest to realize racial and gender equality and social economic justice

Indigenous Environmental Network

protect their sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, health of both their people and all living things, and to build economically sustainable communities