How We Fail Our Most Vulnerable: The EPA and Environmental Injustice

Presenter

Heena R. Kraemer

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Kathleen A. Brown-Perez, Commonwealth Honors College, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A34, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Foundational research in environmental justice (EJ) has established that populations of people of color and those living in poverty are more likely to suffer negative health effects from environmental pollution than other populations. This includes contaminated drinking water, exposure to elevated concentrations of harmful air pollutants, and proximity to industrial facilities. Despite the passing of crucial environmental legislation in the 1970s, environmental injustice persists in the United States. Recent examples of environmental injustices include the Flint water crisis in Michigan, and the Dakota Access Pipeline. This paper investigates the limitations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in advancing EJ for low-income and minority populations in the United States. The EPA's regulatory framework and enforcement strategies are evaluated, highlighting deficiencies in addressing environmental policy requirements. EPA criminal prosecutions are scrutinized, exposing the challenges in adequately penalizing environmental offenders and ensuring compliance. Violations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, and hazardous waste siting are examined, illustrating the disparity of enforcement. The paper also delves into the involvement of state and local entities, underscoring the complexities in collaborative efforts and resource allocation. Recommendations for strengthening EJ statutes within federal law are ultimately proposed. Scholarly insights and empirical studies are integrated, providing a comprehensive assessment of the EPA's shortcomings in addressing EJ. Understanding why the current legislation is failing to uphold EJ in the United States is vital as the first step in ensuring all people, regardless of race and socioeconomic status have a healthy environment to live and thrive.

Keywords

Environmental Justice, EPA , Environmental Policy

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

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