What Is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, income, or national origin in environmental decision-making. Research consistently shows that hazardous waste facilities, polluting industries, and contaminated sites are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color. A landmark 1987 study by the United Church of Christ found that race was the strongest predictor of hazardous waste facility siting in the U.S.—stronger than income, property values, or housing age. The Flint, Michigan water crisis (2014-2019), where a majority-Black, low-income city was exposed to lead-contaminated water after a cost-cutting switch in water supply, became a symbol of environmental injustice and government failure.