A new map of Virginia illustrates the stark contrasts in pollution burdens depending on location.

A new interactive map of Virginia identifies hotspots of environmental justice failures—where residents face disproportionate public health socioeconomic effects as the result of pollution.
An article by Sarah Vogelsong provides additional insight into the findings of the Mapping for Environmental Justice initiative, which worked with the Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative and funding from the Earth Island Institute. According to Vogelsong, "the Virginia map assigns a 'cumulative environmental justice impact' score to each census tract in the commonwealth. The higher the score, the greater the tract’s overall environmental impacts and vulnerabilities are considered to be."
According to the initiative's website, parts of Virginia facing disproportionate environmental burdens are "nearly five times more likely to be exposed to air pollution from traffic and are 3.6 times more likely to live near a Superfund site" [emphasis from the original].
"Pollution burden includes data on ozone, particulate matter, lead paint, air toxics, traffic, mines, hazardous waste and high-risk chemical facilities and federal cleanup sites," explains Vogelsong.
FULL STORY: New mapping tool aims to clarify Virginia environmental justice debates

New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition
Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.

A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts
Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.

Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City
In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.

‘Bus Revolution’ Revised in Philadelphia
The bus system redesign underway in Philadelphia changed direction after riders and local politicians complained about an initial draft plan.

Hudson Valley City Bans Fossil Fuels in New Construction
Beacon will require all-electric appliances in new buildings starting next year.

Mapping Sidewalks for Improved Connectivity
A new tool uses aerial image recognition to map a city’s sidewalks and crosswalks. Its developers hope it will aid in creating a more comprehensive understanding of pedestrian networks and where improvements are needed.
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City of Greenville
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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