Linking climate and environmental justice in the regulation of industrial facilities

Abstract:

In the United States, industrial processes, such as cement, lime, steel, and iron production, account for approximately 6% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and result in $70B in air pollution-related damages each year.

Here, we analyze the historical relationship between GHG and air pollution as well as the social equity implications of industrial facility siting and emissions. We find that GHG and air quality impacts are highly coupled for many industrial processes and facilities. We also show that cement, lime, iron, and steel production facilities are disproportionately sited in communities where relatively higher proportions of the population are low income. In addition, air pollution-induced mortality risks associated with several industrial processes are regressive and disproportionately impact non-white populations.

Focusing on cement, lime, iron, and steel production, we also model multiple decarbonization pathways for industrial processes, which meet net-zero economy-wide emissions targets by 2050. Specifically, we estimate the avoided GHG and air pollutant emissions and damages associated with different siting and technological mitigation approaches. Then we develop a series of mitigation pathways that prioritize reducing air pollution-related inequities. Preliminary results show that decarbonizing this subset of industrial production processes can result in cumulative air pollution benefits over the next 30 years, ranging from $50B to $200B (or equivalently 5,000 to 25,000 avoided premature mortalities), depending on the pathway. To minimize air pollution-related impacts on vulnerable communities, mitigation approaches that prioritize closure of the highest emitting sources and re-siting new facilities have the greatest potential for meeting climate objectives while relieving historical and persistent air pollution inequities.