Environmental Justice History

Historical Context of the Environmental Justice Movement

• Deeply rooted in prior social justice movements, particularly the Civil Rights Movement.
• Activism techniques (coalition building, direct action, litigation) adopted from these movements.
• Evolved gradually from numerous local struggles, marked by pivotal incidents like the 1982 Warren County protests.

Tributaries of the Environmental Justice Movement

• Civil Rights Movement: Provided foundational leadership, utilizing experiences. "Toxic Wastes and Race" report (1987) highlighted disproportionate impacts on minority communities.
• Anti-Toxics Movement: Emerged in the late 1970s, galvanizing communities against hazardous waste sites (e.g., Love Canal).
• Academic Contributions: Research by scholars like Dr. Robert Bullard highlighted environmental injustices, influencing policy (EPA's Office of Environmental Justice).
• Native American Struggles: Emphasized self-determination, linked historical struggles to environmental justice. Indigenous Environmental Network (1990).
• Labor Movement: Farm worker movements (e.g., Cesar Chavez) linked labor with environmental concerns (pesticide use). Labor unions emphasized occupational health.

Evolving Relationship with Traditional Environmentalism

• Traditional environmentalism often marginalized social justice issues, leading to a disconnect with the Environmental Justice Movement.
• Second wave focused on litigation & policy, potentially excluding marginalized voices.
• Some perceived traditional environmental groups as obstacles, not allies.

The 1991 National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit

• Significant convergence of Environmental Justice Movement tributaries.
• Over 300 delegates, established a unified platform.
• Articulated common themes of racism and economic exploitation.
• Catalyzed local/national networks committed to addressing environmental injustices.
• Key figures: Ben Chavis, Robert Bullard, transition team appointment under President-elect Clinton.
• Principles of Environmental Justice (17 principles) established.

Continuing Legacy and Importance of the Environmental Justice Movement

• Evolving, driven by systemic inequality, environmental racism, and health disparities.
• Ongoing research, organizing, & community coalitions crucial for equitable policies.
• Past movements, institutional support, and grassroots activism sustain the movement.

Chester, Pennsylvania—A Case Study in Environmental Racism

• Demonstrates socio-economic factors contributing to environmental hazards for communities of color (e.g., demographics of African American population).
• Disproportionate number of waste facilities despite small population size.
• Elevated cancer & respiratory risks linked to pollution.

Community Response and Grassroots Activism in Chester

• Chester Residents Concerned About Quality of Life (CRCQL) formed to advocate for change.
• Initial organizing in 1992 due to pollution, noise, and property damage. Sought dialogue but faced avoidance and condescension.
• Protests (e.g., at Westinghouse incinerator in 1992) proved effective advocacy.

Legal Battles and Political Action in Chester

• CRCQL used legal recourse (e.g. challenging Thermal Pure Systems permit).
• Pennsylvania Supreme Court hearing on Thermal Pure permit resulted in upholding the permit.
• Residents felt their legal rights were disregarded.

Community Mobilization Against Environmental Hazards

• CRCQL opposed Soil Remediation Systems (SRS) facility due to health concerns.
• Community organized petitions, protests, and public hearings, successful in some ways, but facing obstacles.
• Tactics of facility proponents (e.g. jobs in exchange for support) highlighted.
• CRCQL achieved some local political support.
• Amended city zoning codes, requiring proof that a waste facility wouldn't increase pollution.

CRCQL's Evolving Identity and Coalition-building

• Initial diverse leadership shifted primarily African American.
• Sought broader appeal through environmental justice retreat, forming Campus Coalition Concerning Chester (C4).
• Coalition-building targeted changing perceptions & fostered inclusion.

Legal Struggles and Environmental Justice Victories

• CRCQL secured a settlement with DELCORA for children's health program funding.
• A federal court recognized residents' rights (overturned by Supreme Court).
• CRCQL faced challenges despite some victories.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Hearing on Thermal Pure Permit

• Involved DEP regulations and the Thermal Pure permit.
• Community activist Zulene Mayfield expressed faith in the law.
• Ajustice stated "Mr. Balter, around here I am the law."
• The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Thermal Pure.

Characteristics of Environmental Justice Activists

• Motivated by community health and well-being.
• Often from marginalized backgrounds (poor, working-class, people of color).
• Distrust of legal systems, reliance on nontraditional activism.
• Advocate for structural reforms.
• Recognize environmental degradation as part of broader societal injustices (poverty, health, education).