Environmental racism is the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities to environmental hazards and pollution, including policies and practices that put these communities at greater risk, says Kareem Scales, the NAACP Grand Rapids Environmental Justice Committee Chair.
“Clean air is a right; it’s not a privilege and when we protect the most vulnerable, we protect everyone.”
Scales warns that there are environmental hazards and health risks to the federal government requiring Consumers Energy to keep running its JH Campbell coal power plant in Port Sheldon Township after its planned shutdown.
He’s also raising alarms about federal moves to weaken limits on carbon pollution and toxic air emissions, noting effects could have greater impact on underserved neighborhoods where there’s disparities in access to healthy food outlets and consistent medical care.
“When you look at things like proximity to highways, proximity to railroad tracks, even things like density of trees. Things we take for granted have huge impacts on our health.”
Scales urges residents to push back by making public comments on social media petitions, voicing concerns to local and state leaders and supporting the work of environmental activism groups.
“The fight against environmental racism is about saving lives, reducing health disparities and ensuring all families in West Michigan - regardless of their zip code - can breathe clean air.”
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