Environmental justice in the U.S. has become a sociopolitical challenge to pursue a movement that counters environmental injustices that threaten the viability of many communities. Critical race theory provides a lens through which to evaluate the impact of environmental justice policymaking.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as “the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment.”

We can categorize environmental injustices based on their physical impact and social or community impact. Physically, when populations are targeted by developments such as highways, schools, businesses, and housing developments, they are relocated or displaced. These social or community changes lead to a loss of social cohesion, social capital, and can lead to social isolation. Their combined effects can relocate social challenges such as poverty, job access, health care access, and school overcrowding to other geographic communities. Some of the other challenges can come in the form of pollution which exposes communities to new public health risks, therefore contributing to broader and localized climate change.

Critical Race Theory as a Lens for Environmental Justice

There are many tools that can be applied to explain the impact of environmental injustice on various segments of the population. One approach is to use critical race theory which offers a powerful lens to understand how environmental policies and laws are applied unequally, dislocating and disrupting communities of color. By examining how race and power structures influence where polluting facilities are located and environmental justice policies are crafted, critical race theory sheds light on the roots of environmental racism and paves the way for solutions that promote a cleaner, more equitable future for all.

The integration of critical race theory and environmental justice not only exposes these injustices but also guides the development of solutions that foster a sustainable and just society. Specifically, we propose that policymakers prioritize the voices and needs of marginalized communities through critical race theory-informed legislation, which could include stricter zoning regulations, enhanced environmental protections, and increased investment in community-led environmental justice initiatives. By doing so, we can work toward dismantling the structures that perpetuate environmental racism and ensure that all communities have equitable access to a healthy environment.

Read the full article about environmental justice and critical race theory by Keon L. Gilbert and Calvin Bell at Brookings.