Assisting Congress to Better Understand Environmental JusticeMidterm BriefingMagdalena DewaneMarch 6, 2013Advisor: Gail Suchman

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The Beginning of WE ACT

Prepared for Photo Credits: HCE Contractorsand WE ACT

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WE ACT Today• National leader in environmental justice

• New office in Washington, D.C.

• Programs:• Clean Air• Affordable, Equitable Transit• Waste Reduction• Toxic Free Products

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What is Environmental Justice?“…the fair treatment and meaningful

involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to

the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations,

and policies…”-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(1985) Population Size Average Household Income

Persons Below Poverty Line

72nd StreetNeighborhood 84% white $123,000 8.5%West Harlem 60% black $26,000 34%

Data: University of Michigan

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Promoting Environmental JusticeObjective: Support WE ACT in advocating for environmental justice in Congress.

Outputs:• Five community case studies by district• Localized fact sheets for district

Representatives• Research report and case study model• Congressional briefing

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Target States

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Methodology Elements

• Conduct data analysis• Low-income and minority populations• Environmental hazards

• Research political profile• Relevant committee membership• Voting record

• Align with WE ACT policy priorities

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Colorado Demographics

Population 5,029,196White 70%Hispanic 21%Black/African American 4%Asian/Pacific Islander 3%

Median household income $56,993 (14th US)Poverty 12.5%Food stamp participants 10%Unemployment 7.6%

2010 Census Statistics

Data: Census.gov

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Poverty in Colorado

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Percentage Below Poverty by County

%Below Poverty

Data: EPA EJ View

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Poverty in Denver Percentage Below Poverty by Census Tract

%Below Poverty

Data: EPA EJ View

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Minorities in Denver Minority Percentage by Census Tract

Data: EPA EJ View

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Minorities in Downtown DenverMinority Percentage by Census Tract

Data: EPA EJ View

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Denver County Burden Ratios

0 20000 40000 60000Indicator of Chemical

Releases

0 0.20.40.60.8 1 1.21.41.61.8Facilities Per Square

Mile

Ratio2:1

Ratio1.21:1

Data: Good Guide

Toxic ChemicalReleases

Superfund Sites

Above PovertyBelow Poverty

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Political Analysis

Photo Credit: lcv.org

• Committee on Energy and Commerce

• Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy

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Additional Research

“When you first picture Denver, you probably don't picture pollution … but the state suffers

from a wide span of toxic, hazardous and radioactive pollution.”

Credit: TheWitness.org

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Case Studies

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Overcoming ChallengesChallenge:• Identifying target communities

• 312 counties 3 cities/regions

Solution:• Cross reference environmental justice mapping

tool with census data• Consider committee assignments and voting

record of Representatives

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Looking Ahead

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Tasks:• Conduct interviews• Complete case studies• Develop fact sheets• Compile research report and model

Thank you!Questions?