AOHC Encore 2023-324 How Regulatory Systems Perpetuate Environmental Injustice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Marilyn Howarth from the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perlman School of Medicine discusses environmental justice and the burden of air pollution on communities of color. She explains that environmental justice demands equal protection and enforcement of environmental health regulations, but in reality, communities of color often face more environmental hazards and fewer amenities like parks and green spaces. Howarth discusses the history of environmental justice research, including the 1987 project called Toxic Waste and Race by the United Church of Christ. She highlights the ongoing issue of environmental injustice, with 70% of Superfund sites located within a mile of federally assisted housing. Howarth also explains the challenges of monitoring air pollution, with few air monitors measuring hazardous air pollutants, and no specific standards for these pollutants. The permitting process for hazardous air pollutants does not consider cumulative effects or the presence of other permitted industries in an area. Howarth emphasizes the need for a regional and cumulative approach in regulating air pollutants. Her colleague, Adrian Wood, later discusses their project on ethylene oxide emissions and the disparities in regulatory actions taken based on community characteristics. Wood presents data showing that higher income white communities were more likely to see action taken compared to environmental justice communities. The presentation concludes with a discussion of the implications and the importance of advocacy and community engagement in addressing environmental injustices.

Keywords

environmental justice

air pollution

communities of color

environmental hazards

Superfund sites

monitoring air pollution

hazardous air pollutants

regulatory actions