Environmental Justice and Early Actions

Overview of Environmental Justice and Early Actions

• African American neighborhoods in Houston were often chosen for toxic waste sites
• Over 15 million African Americans, 8 million Latinos, and half of all Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans resided in communities with at least one abandoned or uncontrolled toxic waste site
• Environmental Justice (EJ) is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies
• EJ aims for equal access to environmental protection and decision-making processes
• The definition of EJ misses nuances between equality and equity and erases the identities and experiences of those facing EJ concerns
• Environmental Injustice occurs when some groups suffer more harms and risks due to another group seeking benefits
• EJ communities prioritize sustainable development, decent jobs, quality education, housing, and healthcare, democratic decision-making, and safety
• EJ encompasses protection of environmental, health, employment, education, housing, transportation, and civil rights laws
• The first National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit broadened the EJ movement beyond anti-toxic chemical stances
• In 1992, EPA's Office of Environmental Justice was created to integrate EJ into EPA policies and provide technical and financial assistance
• In 1994, President Clinton signed the Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, which provided federal actions to address EJ concerns and highlighted the disproportionate burden of pollution on low-income communities and communities of color
• The SouthWest Organizing Project (SWOP) and Indigenous Environmental Network were founded to empower communities and protect their sacred sites, natural resources, and health.

Test your knowledge on environmental justice and early actions with this informative quiz! Learn about the history of environmental injustices in communities of color and the founding of the environmental justice movement. Explore the nuances between equality and equity and the goals of environmental justice communities. See how federal actions and organizations have aimed to address environmental justice concerns. Take this quiz to deepen your understanding of this important topic.