In Port Arthur, Texas, a community battles enduring environmental and health disparities, marking 30 years since the first presidential executive order on environmental justice.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Port Arthur, dominated by the largest oil refinery in North America, faces significant economic and environmental challenges, with local communities disproportionately affected by industrial pollution.
- Despite the 1994 executive order on environmental justice, the area has seen limited federal support, with recent changes under the Biden administration offering new hope for funding and support.
- Local advocates, like John Beard Jr., continue to fight for cleaner, safer environments, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment and recognition of the community's struggles.
Key quote:
“In a lot of ways, the executive order provided a framework for communities to challenge (industrial) permits and to challenge the way that policies were being pushed forward.”
— Robert Bullard, professor of urban planning and environmental policy at Texas Southern University
Why this matters:
This story highlights the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in communities like Port Arthur, where health and environmental disparities persist despite decades of advocacy. It underscores the importance of equitable environmental policies and the impact of industrial activities on vulnerable populations, linking local challenges to broader national discussions on environmental justice and policy.
