Environmental racism refers to decisions that restrict certain groups to polluted environments based on race. It has a history dating back to the establishment of environmental justice and the disparate impact standard in the 1970s. While laws like the Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination, some argue that loose interpretations of environmental laws can give agencies too much power and prevent economic growth in low-income and minority communities. For example, a $700 million plant in Louisiana agreed to hire locally and donate to schools but was blocked by protests over its location in a predominantly black area. Many state and business groups oppose expansive definitions of environmental racism.

1. Environmental Racism Brad Dougherty Joe Tucci

9. Shintech Relocation