Environmental Justice for Children of Color: Energy Facility Pollution in Houston

Abstract

Extensive prior research has been conducted on the imbalance between environmental hazards in majority-minority communities and majority-white communities and its negative physiological, psychological, and economic effects. This existing body of literature has suggested a positive correlation between environmental hazards and poor childhood development indicators. The study of the field is called “environmental justice”, founded on the belief that certain groups are disproportionately disadvantaged by negative environmental conditions induced by inequitable laws and policies. However, a clear correlation between environmental racism and minority childhood experiences has not been studied. This paper utilizes a proximity analysis between Houston-area schools and toxin-emitting energy facilities and survey-based research with a school community affected by such facilities in southeast Houston. Through this research, a clearer picture can be drawn of how policy and inaction have put children of color at a structural disadvantage over their wealthier, whiter counterparts. Results have established that urban development policies, the placement of energy production facilities, a lack of equitable urban planning boards, disinvestment in infrastructure, and carelessness by government officials have contributed to environmental inequality, with children being at a heightened risk of its negative effects. After assessing the findings of the inquiry concerning the negative developmental impacts of environmental inequality on children, future ramifications are discussed concerning suggestions for possible solutions.