Making the Most of Data: Developments in Cumulative Impacts Analysis and Policies for Environmental Justice

Abstract:

Numerous studies show that sources of pollution harmful to human health are disproportionately sited next to low-income communities and communities of color. These communities endure the “cumulative impacts” of multiple, co-occurring environmental hazards along with underlying social conditions that heighten their vulnerability. That this situation persists despite the evidence reflects an injustice, a challenge, and a need for environmental and health scientists to better leverage their research and platforms in partnership with affected communities. In this presentation, the Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform (EJHA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will present lessons learned from community-based advocacy to address cumulative impacts. We will compare screening tools, methods, and other approaches for assessing cumulative impacts that are in various stages of implementation by environmental agencies and health departments. We will also examine several key policy proposals that incorporate cumulative impacts analysis into environmental decision-making, and discuss ways in which science-advocacy collaborations can contribute to that objective.