Every American should have the right to live in a country where they can breathe clean air and drink safe, uncontaminated water. However, for far too many African Americans, this ideal remains elusive. Decades of studies have revealed a stark correlation between race and proximity to dangerous industrial facilities. Black communities are disproportionately exposed to toxic pollution, leading to devastating health consequences that are often ignored or overlooked.
The Environmental Injustice Black Americans Face
Since the 1970s, environmental justice advocates have worked tirelessly to bring attention to these inequalities. Their research and public education efforts have uncovered a troubling reality: Black Americans bear a disproportionate burden from environmental harms. These include higher rates of asthma, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and lower birth outcomes. The evidence is clear—Black communities are often situated in the shadow of hazardous industrial facilities, exposed to environmental dangers with few resources to fight back.
Government’s Role in Perpetuating Injustice
Local, state, and federal governments have too often played a role in perpetuating these disparities. Through land use policies, zoning approvals, and permitting decisions, they have enabled the construction of hazardous industrial facilities in or near Black and low-income neighborhoods. These decisions have locked communities into dangerous environments with little recourse or protection.
The statistics are startling:
- 78% of Black Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant.
- Black children are twice as likely as white children to be diagnosed with asthma and ten times more likely to die from it. (The Climate Environment Project)
These figures highlight the stark reality faced by Black communities, where environmental hazards are not only a fact of life but a death sentence for too many.
Federal Efforts and the Threat of Rollbacks
The Biden-Harris administration made strides in combating environmental racism. Through executive orders and over 180 new initiatives, the administration sought to embed environmental justice into federal policy. The Inflation Reduction Act alone dedicated $128 million to community climate investments, marking the largest federal investment in environmental justice in U.S. history.
However, these gains are now under threat. After returning to office, former President Trump signed an executive order aimed at reversing these efforts. The order directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify states with climate and environmental justice laws to block their enforcement. Additionally, it called for the closure of EPA Environmental Justice offices and the elimination of key staff positions across the country.
This rollback raises a critical question: Was the progress toward justice for neglected Black communities all in vain?
The Fight for Justice Continues
Justice delayed does not have to mean justice denied. But it’s essential that we act now—before more lives are lost to pollution, neglect, and policy indifference. The fight for environmental justice is far from over, and now is the time to demand action.
We must elect leaders who are committed to restoring and expanding the fight against environmental racism. Our communities cannot afford to wait. The health and lives of millions depend on it.
What You Can Do
- Vote: Support candidates who prioritize environmental justice and understand the needs of overburdened communities.
- Advocate: Raise your voice to demand stronger protections against environmental hazards in Black communities.
- Educate: Share the facts about environmental racism and help others understand the connection between pollution and public health.
The time to act is now. We cannot afford to let this moment pass. The health and future of countless families depend on our collective action.
