Author: Jayla Cornelius ’23
Sometimes, people may have the misconception that environmental justice communities are determined by socio-economic class rather than race. However, according to data collected by researchers, upper-income (app. $180,000+) Black communities in Pennsylvania are twice as likely to live near an existing power plant than the whitest, lower-income neighborhoods. Additionally, 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s power plants are located in neighborhoods with more low income and Black families than the state median. The fact that these facilities are located in Black communities is not an accident — it derives from centuries of racist policies, and it severely affects the quality of life for individuals in these communities.
The two counties in Pennsylvania with the largest African American populations, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County, have the highest risk of asthma in the state, which is largely due to prolonged exposure to high levels of ozone and particulate matter. Within smaller communities in Philadelphia, African Americans endure some of the highest particulate pollution in the country along with the highest rate of childhood asthma hospitalizations.
Dr. Sharelle Barber, an assistant research professor at Drexel University, confirms the origin of these health disparities noting the “striking racial inequalities, especially for Blacks” that are “rooted in structural racism.” Similar patterns are seen in national statistics because, while majority-Black counties account for only 30 percent of the U.S. population, they were the location of 56 percent of COVID-19 deaths.
The wrongs of environmental injustice against communities of color is a serious issue and must be addressed. The racist placement of these power plants reinforces the notion of infrastructural racism that, in this case, could possibly lead to the premature deaths of many. We must work hard to keep our communities safe and healthy, especially during this difficult time riddled with the COVID-19 global pandemic and social injustice.
There is still hope, however. Local advocates and members of grassroots organizations continue to lobby and push for environmental justice reform. See the links below if you are interested in learning more and getting involved!
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/tag/environmental-justice/