March 24, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
More than 21,000 unexpected pollution releases by Texas companies have released over 400,000 tons of air pollution in Texas from 2016 to 2022.
Biden Administration Moves to Tighten Limits on Deadly Air Pollution
Summary
The Biden administration proposed tightening restrictions on fine particulate matter, a dangerous air pollutant sometimes known as soot. It would be the first time in more than a decade that the federal government takes action against a toxin that causes thousands of premature lives each year. Smokestacks, construction, transportation, power plants, and other industrial activities produce fine particulate matter. It has a maximum diameter of 2.5 micrometers, or one-thirtieth the width of a human hair, and may get buried in the lungs. It has been related to heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems. The Environmental Protection Agency's proposed regulation would restrict the existing limit, which has been in effect since 2012, by up to 25%. According to the government, it might avoid up to 4,200 premature deaths every year, as well as 270,000 lost workdays, and result in up to $43 billion in net health and economic gains by 2032. Because they are usually situated near roads, power plants, and other industrial facilities, poor and minority neighborhoods are disproportionately exposed to soot and other air pollution. A 2018 research published in The American Journal of Public Health by E.P.A. experts discovered that Black communities were at a higher risk of health issues from industrial soot exposure than the overall population.
Black communities smothered 24/7 by toxic industries keep getting strung along, with no apology in sight.
Natural gas pipeline developers are pressing Congress and US energy regulators to speed up the permitting process as a way to build more projects that deliver energy to the Easter
March 24, 2023
Carbon Emissions
Carbon Emissions
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), countries spent a record-breaking $1 trillion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022.
March 24, 2023
Climate Change
Climate Change
The only way to stop the long-lasting harms of lead poisoning in children is to end exposure to the chemical — and with data-driven and community-based action, that’s possible.
March 24, 2023
Climate Change
Climate Change
The A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act has been reintroduced by Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva and Barbara Lee, and Senators Tammy Duckworth and Cory Booker.
March 24, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Advocates criticized Biden’s Council on Environmental Quality for excluding race as a key factor in its tool and have added the metric in their alternative version.
March 24, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Residents of a Louisiana parish located in the heart of a cluster of polluting petrochemical factories filed a lawsuit in federal court.
March 24, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Federal limits on particulate matter commonly known as soot could mean cleaner, safer air for Texans. But environmental experts worry Texas may snub rules.
March 30, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
Residents in industry-choked Randolph renew efforts to block the power company’s plans near their fragile town.
February 26, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
The US Department of Agriculture is rolling out a new $3.1bn program to make payments towards loans for farmers who are behind on loan payments or on the brink of foreclosure.
February 27, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
The U.S. EPA has ordered Union Pacific Railroad to investigate potential contamination in and around the former wood preserving facility in Greater Fifth Ward area of Houston, TX.
February 27, 2023
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism
The revised version of the U.S. government's "disadvantaged communities" tool automatically considers more than 750 federally recognized tribal tracts disadvantaged.
February 27, 2023
Climate Change
Climate Change
The Gulf of Mexico is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the oceans on earth, according to a new study.
February 28, 2023
Climate Change
Climate Change
The protection of children from pesticide exposure varies from state to state in the US due to different laws and regulations.