In Louisiana, an area known as Cancer Alley houses around 170 fossil fuel and petrochemical plants. Sadly, this has led to high cancer rates and premature deaths among its residents. Gary C. Watson Jr. shares that in his community, many people attend two to three funerals each month.
Cancer Alley highlights a troubling trend: minority and low-income communities often face significant air pollution, leading to serious health issues. When the government recognized carbon dioxide as a public health threat back in 2009, it aimed to reduce pollution. However, the Trump administration recently rolled back these regulations, sparking worries among health experts about the implications for vulnerable communities like Watson’s.
Watson emphasizes that this change will worsen conditions for people living in polluted areas. He fears it could also escalate hurricane impacts in the state, as increased emissions can intensify storms.
Public health groups are sounding alarms over this rollback. Matthew Tejada from the Natural Resources Defense Council points out that marginalized communities will bear the brunt of these decisions. Hilda Berganza from the Hispanic Access Foundation adds that Latino populations, who often work in high-risk jobs, will feel the effects most.
A recent study shows over 46 million people in the U.S. live near energy infrastructures like oil wells or power plants, with racial and ethnic minorities more likely to be impacted. In fact, Black Americans face a 40% higher chance of living in areas with extreme heat risks.
In California, research reveals that Latino communities endure more extreme heat days and poorer air quality than their white counterparts, leading to higher rates of asthma-related issues. Julia Silver, a researcher, notes that children in these communities are 40% more likely to die from asthma.
Pastor Armando Carpio, who serves mostly Latino parishioners, sees the struggles of families affected by pollution. Many outdoor workers face risks from extreme heat and air quality issues. “We’re regressing,” he says, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Experts agree that revoking these protections can have severe consequences. Sacoby Wilson, a professor at the University of Maryland, explains that marginalized communities will likely see increased health risks linked to pollution and climate impacts. Beverly Wright from the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice warns of the dire future for Black communities in Cancer Alley, where four neighborhoods have already vanished due to industrial expansion.
In summary, the rollback of environmental protections poses a significant risk to the health of vulnerable communities. The fight for cleaner air and justice continues as these areas make their voices heard. For more on this issue, check out AP News.
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