In-Depth Notes on Toxic Wastes and Race Report

Introduction

• Toxic Wastes and Race in the U.S.: 1987 report by the Commission for Racial Justice, United Church of Christ.

Presentation of Data

• Cover Design Key:
  • Shaded areas = counties with high Black/Hispanic populations relative to national averages.
  • Dark areas = counties with high percentages and five or more uncontrolled toxic waste sites.

Background on the Commission for Racial Justice

• Agency Role: Mobilizes church membership towards racial justice and reconciliation, involved in rights struggles for racial and ethnic communities.
• Leadership: Includes members from various states, with experience in racial issues and environmental justice.

Preface Summary

• Importance of the Report: First comprehensive documentation of hazardous waste in communities with significant racial/ethnic populations.
  • Investigations began in 1982 to study impacts of hazardous waste on racial/ethnic communities.
  • Included studies on commercial hazardous waste facilities and uncontrolled toxic waste sites.
• Definition of Racism: Utilizes the definition by the National Council of Churches Racial Justice Working Group.

Executive Summary Findings

• National Concern: Increasing awareness of hazards posed by toxic chemicals and abandoned sites.
  • Racial and ethnic Americans are disproportionately affected.
• Policy Context: Critique of the Reagan administration's rollback on environmental protections.
  • Highlighted findings from the GAO showing gaps in hazardous waste identification.

Major Findings

1. Commercial Hazardous Waste Facilities:

   • Majority located in communities with high racial/ethnic populations.
   • Comparison of minority percentages:
     • Communities with 2+ facilities = 38% minorities.
     • Communities with 1 facility = 24% minorities.
   • Socio-economic factors play a role, but race is more significant.

2. Uncontrolled Toxic Waste Sites:

   • 60% of Black and Hispanic Americans live near these sites.
   • Major cities with high numbers: Memphis, St. Louis, Houston, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, and LA.
   • Affected populations contribute significantly to public health risks.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Racial Factors in Facility Locating:
  • Evidence suggests race significantly influences where facilities are located.
• Cleanup Priorities: Urgent need to address toxic sites in communities of color.

Recommendations by Government Level

• Federal Actions:

  • Issue executive order targeting impact assessments on racial communities.
  • Establish an Office of Hazardous Wastes and Racial and Ethnic Affairs in the EPA.
  • Enact legislation requiring reports on hazardous waste management impact on racial communities.

• State Government Actions:

  • Review and modify siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities considering racial and socio-economic factors.
  • Conduct studies on hazardous waste facilities' impacts on economic development in affected communities.

• Municipal Actions:

  • Create task forces including community representatives to deal with hazardous waste issues.
  • Lobby for protections against further siting of facilities in vulnerable communities.

Community and Organizational Actions

• Churches and Organizations:
  • Investigate local hazardous waste sites for potential risks.
  • Initiate community education programs on environmental issues specific to racial and ethnic communities.
  • Promote voter registration to empower community responses.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the need for focused governmental and community strategies to address the disproportionate impacts of hazardous waste on racial and ethnic populations in the U.S. The findings demand urgent attention at every level of society to ensure justice for affected communities.