environmental injustice
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Texas’ new appellate court raises concerns for environmentalists
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's recent creation of the 15th Court of Appeals, a body seen as favorable to business interests, has sparked fears among environmental advocates who believe it undermines regulatory oversight.
Jim Morris, Leah Clark and Manuela Silva report for Public Health Watch.
In short:
- The new court, established by the Texas Legislature, will hear civil cases involving the state and significant business disputes.
- Environmentalists worry the court will bypass the more progressive 3rd Court of Appeals, which has historically been more sympathetic to environmental concerns.
- High-stakes cases, including those involving major pollution permits, will now be handled by the new court, potentially weakening environmental protections.
Key quote:
“This is a way for Texas to create a very conservative court that I suspect the governor believes will be less friendly to environmental interests and probably very friendly to business.”
— Ilan Levin, senior counsel, Environmental Integrity Project.
Why this matters:
Critics argue that this move undermines judicial impartiality, potentially leading to laxer enforcement of environmental protections and health regulations. Read more: Texas has more chemical emergencies than any other state and they’re disproportionately affecting Latino communities.
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Polluted air is endangering newborns in New Mexico
A new study reveals that air pollution is significantly linked to low birth weight among babies born near industrial areas in New Mexico, posing serious health risks.
In short:
- The University of New Mexico study connects exposure to five industrial pollutants with low birth weight in infants.
- Areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the Permian Basin –the country's most productive oilfield– have some of the worst air quality in the U.S., affecting local newborns' health.
- Minority and low-income communities face disproportionate impacts from pollution, with higher incidences of low birth weight among Black and Latino infants.
Key quote:
“The stakes are incredibly high. Low birth weight not only impacts the health of newborns but can also set children up for health issues that extend well into adulthood.”
— Giovanna Rossi, New Mexico organizer for Moms Clean Air Force.
Why this matters:
Protecting pregnant women and their babies from industrial pollution is vital as low birth weight is linked to severe health issues, from respiratory problems to heart disease, creating a critical public health crisis. Read more: Air pollution linked to millions of birth complications across the globe.
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Plastic industry pushes for recycling as a solution to pollution crisis
The petrochemical industry claims to support a global treaty to curb plastic pollution but emphasizes recycling over production caps.
In short:
- Industry groups are promoting recycling targets and waste collection improvements as alternatives to capping plastic production.
- These proposals could cut global plastic pollution by 36% by 2050, but without a production cap, it's harder to achieve significant reductions.
- Industry influence over treaty negotiations is increasing, with substantial lobbying at recent sessions.
Key quote:
“Whether the treaty includes plastic production cuts is not just a policy debate. It’s a matter of survival.”
— Jorge Emmanuel, adjunct professor at Silliman University in the Philippines.
Why this matters:Recycling initiatives proposed by the petrochemicals industry while beneficial, are insufficient to tackle plastic pollution. A comprehensive approach, including production caps, is a more effective approach to achieve meaningful health and environmental benefits. For more read the op-ed by Pete Myers: We must determine which uses of plastic remain essential; eliminate those that aren’t; and design new materials to replace still essential plastics.
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Conservative judges undermine environmental regulations
Several recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court pose significant challenges to the government's ability to combat climate change and pollution for years to come.
In short:
- Recent Supreme Court rulings restrict the Environmental Protection Agency's power to enforce air and water pollution regulations.
- The court overturned the Chevron doctrine, limiting federal agencies' authority to regulate critical areas, including the environment.
- The court also put a hold on an EPA plan to reduce industrial air pollution that drifts across state lines to downwind states.
- These decisions reflect a concerted campaign by industry and conservative groups to weaken the administrative state and the EPA.
Key quote:
“They had a knife before; they have a chain saw now.”
— Sam Sankar, senior vice president for programs at the environmental lawfirm Earthjustice
Why this matters:
These rulings hinder efforts to address climate change, potentially worsening health outcomes by allowing increased pollution and environmental degradation. The decisions could influence U.S. climate policy for decades, especially if conservative judges continue to dominate the judiciary. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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Lawmakers push to penalize pipeline protests
Lawmakers, driven by fossil fuel donors, are working to expand criminal penalties for pipeline protests under new federal safety regulations.
In short:
- New federal pipeline safety legislation may significantly increase penalties for pipeline protests, broadening the definition of "attacks" on pipelines.
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s draft reauthorization bill could make even attempting to impair pipeline operations a felony.
- Advocates worry the vague language could criminalize peaceful protests, threatening free speech and dissent.
Key quote:
“What rights do these corporations have to come through our communities and wreak havoc and not be held accountable for anything they do?” — Anne White Hat, Indigenous activist.
Why this matters:
Increased criminalization of protests could suppress environmental activism, hindering efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for potentially dangerous pipeline projects that threaten public health and safety. Read more: Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota.
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Air pollution kills nearly 2,000 children daily worldwide: Study
A recent study reveals that air pollution is now the second leading cause of death among children under five globally, overtaking poor sanitation and lack of clean water.
In short:
- More than 8 million deaths in 2021 were due to air pollution, with children and low-income countries hit hardest.
- PM2.5 particles, primarily responsible for air pollution deaths, are linked to lung disease, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
- Climate change exacerbates air pollution, with higher temperatures and wildfires increasing particulate matter in the air.
Key quote:
"Our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation, with lifelong health and wellbeing impacts."
— Kitty van der Heijden, deputy executive director of Unicef
Why this matters:
Addressing air pollution is crucial for improving global health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children in low-income countries. Addressing this issue can dramatically improve health outcomes and combat climate change. Read more: Breathless: Pittsburgh's asthma epidemic and the fight to stop it.
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Toxic gas leaks from Texas oil fields continue unchecked
In Texas, thousands of residents are exposed to dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide from oil and gas wells, with regulators failing to address the health risks.
Will Evans, Caroline Ghisolfi, and Amanda Drane report for The Examination.
In short:
- Hydrogen sulfide gas emissions from oil wells in Texas frequently exceed state safety limits, endangering local communities.
- Despite repeated violations, regulators rarely penalize companies, allowing dangerous conditions to persist.
- Residents near these wells report various health issues, including headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.
Key quote:
“It’s very serious. I think it has affected all of our health. We’ve had oil companies that have told us, ‘Just move.’ We’ve been here generations. It’s our place.”
— Marka Giebler, Breckenridge, Texas resident
Why this matters:
Continuous exposure to hydrogen sulfide can lead to severe health problems. The failure of regulatory bodies to enforce safety measures exacerbates the risk, resulting in a serious public health issue. Read more: Toxic air lingers in Texas Latino community, revealing failures in state’s air monitoring system.
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