Environmental Focus, With This Economy?

Environmental injustice, the disproportionate distribution of ecological burdens and access to environmental goods on low-income and minority communities, is a product of a society in which environmental issues as a whole have not been prioritized. Proponents of the environmental justice movement recognize that improving the condition of our environment on a large scale is a vital prerequisite to addressing the more specific concerns of environmental injustice. Environmentalists made up a significant portion of Barack Obama’s electorate, and the President elect has made a commitment to prioritizing environmental concerns in his agenda. How vigorously he pursues resolving environmental issues on a national scale will indicate how much will be achieved in the environmental justice movement in the upcoming years. The most prevalent problem that obstructs the path towards environmental independence is our weak economy. However, there are ways in which ecologically conscious policies can be promoted in a time of economic strife, and these policies should only foment the progression of environmental justice.
One way is to incorporate a new energy agenda into a plan for economic recovery, something that is being referred to as a “Green New Deal.” Creating millions of new green collar jobs would foment economic growth by providing opportunities for displaced workers, as well as promote the green movement of the nation. By focusing on introducing these jobs into low-income communities, the economic and environmental conditions of these burdened areas would begin to be alleviated.
Calculating all of the environmentally dangerous outputs of power production technologies provides insight into how much these plants are costing the environment and the economy. Placing a price on the amount of negative externalities produced by power production plants would encourage them to decrease their contribution of toxins and pollution into their nearby communities. Considering the fact that the majority of power plants are often placed into low-income and minority communities, discouraging these toxic institutions from continuing to recklessly poison their atmosphere would not only protect the economy, but also the residents suffering from toxic living conditions.
President elect Obama has much to tackle in his approaching administration, including one of the most imperative burdens of our time, the economic recession. However, with the right policies the “green” movement can complement the move towards economic strength. By incorporating environmentally oriented policies into plans for economic reconstruction, two of the most pressing issues of today can begin to be handled.

For Further Reading:
Revkin, Andre C. "Readers to Obama: 10 Earthly Ideas on a Budget." Retrieved from http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/readers-to-obama-10-earthly-ideas-on-a-budget/?scp=5&sq=obama%20epa%20choice&st=cse. 19 November 2008.

What Can We Expect From Obama?

Barack Obama’s presidential election brings hope and excitement to many Americans. His promise of change created hope throughout the entire nation, and many citizens wait in anticipation to witness this change. Obama’s expressed commitment to improving the environmental condition of the United States allows those suffering from environmental injustice to be among the most anxious to see new legislation that will assuage their burden, as clear and effective legislation combating environmental injustice has slowly yet inconsistently been entering into recent political agendas.
During the primary campaign season, Hillary Clinton introduced the Environmental Justice Renewal Act, which is designed to administer federal funds towards efforts to improve atmospheric conditions in America’s most pollution-plagued communities. Clinton also helped sponsor another proposal which would implement oversight and mitigation of detrimental health effects of power plants, waste management institutions, and other industrial infrastructure. Hillary Clinton presented a justifiable assertion of her support of the environmental justice movement. Since she lost the primary vote and did not have the chance to become America’s leader, can we expect Obama’s involvement in the movement to match up to Hillary’s previous efforts?
President Obama has undoubtedly exhibited concern for environmental improvement and commitment to further its growth, as he focused on energy efficiency in his final presentation to the nation, his infomercial on October 29. He introduced the McKinstry Company as the example of the direction he will guide the country in regards to environmental progress. He pledged to invest $15 million dollars in an energy efficiency plan that would improve the environmental condition of the national community, including creating five million clean energy jobs for domestic citizens. Although this is a commendable, and relatively unprecedented, embracement of environmental awareness, it does not directly provide a solution to the environmental injustice that exists. Obama plans to find and utilize new resources for energy, such as solar power, wind, and biofuels, which would reduce pollution caused by emissions and other toxins. But will these changes reach the low-income and minority communities, or will they remain concentrated in the more affluent areas, as have other environmental initiatives? What portion of the five million newly created clean energy jobs will be offered to the citizens of the communities which suffer most from environmental hazards? Will the central problem of environmental injustice be combated, or will it continue to be looked over in the light of national progress?
Further, as Obama ran a deracialized campaign, and will most likely manage a deracialized political agenda, will he hesitate to address an issue that is largely racial? Hopefully, Obama’s explicit recognition of the obstacles that need to be overcome in regards to the environment is a testament to the fact that he will thoroughly endeavor to address all aspect of America’s environmental dilemmas, not solely those that are apparent on a national scale.


For Further Reading:
Griscom, Amanda 2007. “Not in Whose Backyard?” Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/magazine/02wwln-essay-t.html?_r=1. 5 November 2008.
“Efficiency Obama” Retrieved From http://getenergysmartnow.com/2008/10/30/efficiency-obama/. 5 November 2008.

Injustice in Chester, PA

As the election approaches, the rhetoric of “change” is emerging as the most necessary promise to all citizens of the United States. Those suffering from environmental injustice are especially burdened under the dire state of our economy, which is a forerunning topic of this political season. Chester, Pennsylvania, named one of America’s most corrupt communities, is a prime example of the need for a change in the environmental conditions of lower-income and minority areas. Like many other poor areas in the United States, Chester suffers from a completely disproportionate exposure to environmental hazard, in the forms of waste management sites, power plants, and toxic pollution. This city has been struggling with the political system to reduce these dangers and improve the living conditions of their atmosphere. However, officials are not doing all that they can possibly do, and even as small successes are achieved, the city remains plagued by continuing injustice.
According to data collected by the Energy Justice Network, Chester has to manage more waste than what its citizens produce. The Covanta Trash Incinerator of Chester processes 34 percent of New Jersey and New York’s waste, 33 percent of Philadelphia’s waste, and 31 percent of Delaware County’s waste. This is evidence of the officials of these counties blatantly taking advantage of the lower income community. Perhaps those in positions of power assume that the Chester community is largely unknowledgeable about the disproportionate and dangerous amount of hazards it is exposed to. Without the initiative of the citizens of Chester to voice their rejection of this type of unjust treatment and organize to stop it, the corruption would continue. However, once the people realized they were suffering from modern day racism, watching their family and friends die from diseases that were products of a toxic environment, and discover that there were ways to prevent this trend, changes started to happen. In response to community activism, power plants have been shut down and other legal issues have been considered.
Yet there is still work to be done. Delores Shelton, who is running for office in Chester City Council, asserts that the necessary improvements can only be accomplished if the citizens, especially the young citizens, come together to demand change. As reflected in the efforts made in the presidential election, the voices and actions of the youth are vital forces in altering the political system which allows disparity to exist. In Chester, Republican rule has not been active in improving the environmental situation, and the Democrats have not been as driven to address this issue as expected.
If McCain is elected, will he continue his party’s tendency to neglect environmental issues that impact the people? If Obama is elected, will he fight along with the people, or will he protect his deracialized image by not focusing on environmental racism that exists? People suffering from environmental injustice can only hope that the next president will acknowledge the struggle this disaster and join in to find solutions.

For Further Reading:
Mary Prager. “Earthlust Supports Environmental Justice in Chester”. Retrieved From: http://phoenix.swarthmore.edu/2007/10/25/news/earthlust-supports-environmental-justice-in-chester. 2 November 2008.