Environmental Justice
Definition
Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regarding environmental laws and policies. Addresses how environmental burdens (pollution, toxic sites) disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color.
Louisville Context
Louisville’s environmental burdens concentrate in West Louisville and South End—predominantly Black and low-income areas: Rubbertown chemical facilities, brownfield sites, interstate highways, landfills, industrial facilities. These neighborhoods experience higher asthma, cancer rates, and life expectancy gaps while wealthier areas enjoy parks and clean air. Dave implements environmental justice: (1) health impact assessments for all permits in environmental justice communities, (2) community veto power over polluting facilities, (3) prioritize cleanup/greenspace in affected areas, (4) air quality monitoring in neighborhoods.
Why It Matters
Environmental racism isn’t accidental—polluting facilities were deliberately sited in Black neighborhoods with limited political power. Environmental justice means those communities get voice, protection, and remediation. Clean air and water are civil rights.
Dave’s Proposal
Implement environmental justice framework: health impact assessments for permits in environmental justice communities, community input requirements, prioritize cleanup and greenspace investments, and neighborhood air quality monitoring.