Environmental Justice for Delaware: Bridging Science and Advocacy to Address Community Pollution Impacts

Abstract:

Delaware Concerned Residents for Environmental Justice have long advocated that disproportionate burdens of pollution in New Castle County communities be addressed by public officials and industry representatives. A scientific analysis demonstrated the disproportionate impact of air pollution and health risk faced by the communities compare to wealthier white communities nearby. This scientific evidence of harm has been brought to decisionmakers at the city, state, and federal levels, as well as to companies operating in the area. Since the release of the analysis, several positive steps have occurred including a Wilmington City Council Resolution that urges the state to consider the cumulative impacts of pollution before approving construction permits to new facilities, especially within environmental justice communities. At the same time, the communities have had to continue to fight against the construction of new and expanded construction of industrial facilities in and near the communities. Currently, the communities are working to build capacity and collaboration through the Delaware Environmental Justice Community Partnership. This talk will talk about the recent and ongoing work of the Delaware Concerned Residents for Environmental Justice, the role of scientific analysis, and the current needs of the communities.