Title: Environmental Justice: Law, Policy & Regulation

Authors: Cliff Villa, Catherine O’Neill, Richard Lazarus

Publication Year: 2017

Category: Environmental Law

Summary:

1. Introduction to Environmental Justice

The book “Environmental Justice: Law, Policy & Regulation” provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection of environmental laws and social justice. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing how environmental issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Environmental justice seeks to ensure that all people, regardless of race, national origin, or income, have equal access to a clean environment and are not unduly burdened by environmental harm.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Educate yourself about the environmental justice issues in your community. Attend local government meetings to understand how environmental policies are being implemented.
– Community Action: Organize community forums to raise awareness and create a platform for marginalized voices to be heard on environmental issues.

2. Historical Context and Legislation

The book traces the history of the environmental justice movement, highlighting key legislative milestones such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which laid the groundwork for environmental justice by prohibiting discrimination. The authors also discuss significant events and case studies such as the Warren County PCB landfill protests in 1982, which marked the symbolic start of the environmental justice movement in the U.S.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Research the history of environmental legislation and the origins of the environmental justice movement to better understand the current landscape.
– Community Action: Petition for local and national policymakers to consider historical injustices when crafting new environmental regulations.

3. Key Concepts and Definitions

Central to the book is the clear delineation of key concepts such as “environmental racism,” which refers to the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color. The authors also introduce “cumulative risk” and “disparate impact” as metrics for assessing how different populations are affected by environmental policies.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Learn to recognize and understand these key concepts. Use this knowledge to identify instances of environmental racism in your local area.
– Community Action: Collaborate with advocacy groups to document and report cases of environmental racism to regulatory bodies.

4. Regulatory Frameworks and Mechanisms

Chapters dedicated to federal frameworks discuss agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their roles in enforcing environmental justice through various programs and policies. For instance, Executive Order 12898, signed by President Clinton, directs federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Familiarize yourself with federal regulations and executive orders related to environmental justice.
– Community Action: Engage with federal agencies during public comment periods to voice concerns and suggest improvements to current regulations.

5. Role of State and Local Governments

Beyond federal oversight, the book examines the significant roles played by state and local governments in promoting environmental justice. Examples include California’s Environmental Justice law (SB 115), which mandates the consideration of environmental justice in state programs and policies.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Investigate state and local environmental justice initiatives in your area and determine their effectiveness.
– Community Action: Advocate for local ordinances that prioritize environmental justice and ensure they are funded and enforced.

6. Legal Tools and Litigation

The authors delve into the use of legal tools like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to fight for environmental justice. Litigation case studies, such as the lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline for its harmful impact on marginalized communities, demonstrate how legal action can enforce compliance with environmental justice principles.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Support or join organizations that use legal avenues to challenge environmental injustices.
– Community Action: Collaborate with legal experts to file lawsuits against violators of environmental justice laws.

7. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

The book champions CBPR as a method for involving community members in the research process to gather data and advocate for change. This approach is exemplified through cases like the Waterfront South Environmental Justice Revitalization Project, where residents collaborated with researchers to mitigate pollution in their area.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Participate in CBPR projects and contribute local knowledge to research efforts.
– Community Action: Develop and support local CBPR initiatives to document and address environmental injustices.

8. Risk Assessment and Management

The authors discuss different approaches to risk assessment, emphasizing the need for assessments to consider social factors and community inputs. For example, the EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN) helps visualize areas experiencing environmental burdens.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Utilize tools like EJSCREEN to assess environmental risks in your area.
– Community Action: Work with local authorities to ensure comprehensive risk assessments are conducted and acted upon.

9. Policy and Advocacy Strategies

The book outlines effective strategies for policy advocacy, such as forming coalitions, leveraging social media, and engaging in grassroots organizing. The success story of the Del Amo Action Committee, which campaigned for the cleanup of toxic waste in their Los Angeles neighborhood, illustrates the power of collective action.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Join advocacy groups that focus on environmental justice issues you’re passionate about.
– Community Action: Launch campaigns to influence policy changes at local and national levels using the strategies outlined.

10. Future Directions and Challenges

Finally, the authors emphasize the ongoing nature of the fight for environmental justice. They call for increased interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of environmental justice into broader policy frameworks. The book highlights the need for responsive governance that adapts to emerging challenges such as climate change and technological advancements.

Actionable Advice:
– Individual Action: Stay informed about new developments in environmental justice and be prepared to adapt your advocacy efforts.
– Community Action: Foster relationships with interdisciplinary groups (e.g., scientists, urban planners, policymakers) to tackle issues holistically.

Conclusion:

“Environmental Justice: Law, Policy & Regulation” is a critical resource for understanding how legal frameworks can be used to address environmental disparities. Through historical insights, legal examples, and actionable strategies, the authors provide a roadmap for individual and community action. By educating oneself, participating in local and national advocacy efforts, and leveraging legal tools, individuals can contribute to the larger environmental justice movement, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.