The Center for Public Integrity has released a report criticizing the EPA's environmental justice competence. In only 12 cases has the agency taken official action on behalf of communities affected disproportionately by polluters.
While the EPA's most vocal detractors usually come from the industry lobby, the agency has recently received a fair bit of criticism from environmentalists and the left. This month, the EPA bungled an investigation in Colorado, releasing large quantities of wastewater into a river. And environmental justice advocates haven't been pleased with the agency either.
In a recent report, "the Center for Public Integrity outlines a decidedly lackluster response from the EPA Office of Civil Rights (which was created solely to make sure that agencies receiving EPA funding don't discriminate) when it comes to environmental discrimination complaints."
A quote from the report reveals that "the EPA has closed only 12 cases alleging such discrimination with official action on behalf of minority communities. [...] At least 17 communities are still waiting in limbo — more than half for over a decade — as the EPA reviews their civil rights claims."
FULL STORY: EPA Blamed for Not Helping Communities Fight Environmental Racism
EPA Guts Emissions Regulations
The agency is eliminating the endangerment finding that underpins the agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
Court Bars EPA Probes in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’
A federal court ruling effectively prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from pursuing civil rights claims in one of the nation’s most polluted regions.
EPA Releases Equity Action Plan
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project
Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.
Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project
The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.
Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin
The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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