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Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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Black residents of Cancer Alley face cancer risks up to 47 times higher than EPA standards. |
The 2014 land-use plan of St. James Parish designates predominantly Black areas for industrial development. |
A civil rights lawsuit alleges intentional discrimination against Black communities in land-use practices. |
The EPA closed its civil rights investigation into Louisiana without providing relief for affected residents. |
Community organizations are advocating for environmental justice and stricter pollution regulations. |
Federal responses show some progress, but local and state government resistance remains a challenge. |
Environmental Racism and Health Impacts in Cancer Alley
Louisiana’s industrial corridor reveals a stark reality—it clearly shows environmental racism. “Cancer Alley,” an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, serves as a battleground for civil rights. Toxic pollution affects Black communities the most here.
Black residents face a health crisis because of constant exposure to polluted air and water. Cancer risks soar up to 47 times beyond what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls acceptable. This crisis goes beyond numbers—it shows ongoing oppression affecting these communities for generations.
The health crisis extends beyond cancer rates. Schools like Fifth Ward Elementary in St. John the Baptist Parish show chloroprene levels 11 times higher than EPA safety limits. Children breathe this carcinogen daily, adding another layer of concern for the youngest residents (ProPublica).
Moreover, residents face various health issues. The air reeks of chemicals, plants die from pollution, and respiratory problems spread across communities. Since the 1940s, pollution has threatened their health and rights, leaving a legacy of suffering that continues today.
Land-Use Policies and Discrimination
Land-use policies allowed industrial growth to target Black areas while protecting white neighborhoods. St. James Parish’s 2014 plan shows systemic racism. It zones many Black-populated areas for future industry.
Source: Verite News
St. James Parish has 20 of its 24 industrial sites in Black areas. Such a pattern does not happen by chance. These decisions favor industry while disregarding Black residents’ health and safety. Churches, schools, and homes sit dangerously close to these toxic sites (Verite News).
These policies build on a history of racism. They reflect ongoing discrimination rooted in slavery, segregation, and a disregard for Black lives. Activists argue these policies show a generational disdain for Black communities and treat their lives as expendable.
Legal Actions and Investigations
Community groups have started taking legal action against St. James Parish. A civil rights lawsuit accuses the parish of deliberate discrimination. Currently, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the dismissal of this case, originally dismissed on procedural grounds.
The lawsuit claims that the parish’s practices violate the 13th and 14th Amendments. Plaintiffs argue this system keeps racial injustices alive today, not just in the past. They use the “continuing violations” argument to show the ongoing nature of this discrimination (Verite News).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initially seemed ready to help. It began a civil rights investigation in April 2022. But in a disappointing decision, the EPA closed its investigation without findings or relief, even though evidence of racial harm existed (Human Rights Watch).
State Attorney General Jeff Landry, now the governor, took legal action against the EPA. He argued that its focus on environmental racism led to “reverse discrimination.” This argument influenced the EPA to halt its investigation, frustrating those seeking justice for Black residents.
Community Advocacy and Government Response
Community groups actively push for environmental justice. Organizations like Inclusive Louisiana, Rise St. James, and Mt. Triumph Baptist Church demand change. They oppose more industrial sites, call for better air monitoring, and request buffer zones around neighborhoods.
1940s
Petrochemical companies begin establishing facilities along the Mississippi River.
1980s
Environmental racism in Cancer Alley gets identified through studies.
2003
EPA reports higher-than-average cancer deaths in St. James Parish.
2014
St. James Parish adopts a discriminatory land-use plan.
April 2022
EPA opens a civil rights investigation into Louisiana state agencies.
2023
EPA closes civil rights investigation without findings.
2024
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reviews dismissed lawsuit.
Source: ProPublica
Federal-level support has grown. Community representatives met with the White House to discuss environmental justice. The Biden administration promised better environmental protections and more funding to address injustices in Cancer Alley.
But local government responses remain discouraging. Though the EPA recognizes the harm done to Black residents, local officials resist change. For instance, while allowing industry to grow, they blocked large solar projects. This shows an ongoing bias that prioritizes industry over community health (ProPublica).
The Road Ahead
The battle for justice in Cancer Alley continues. Ongoing lawsuits, community protests, and federal involvement show that the problem demands urgent attention. As the Fifth Circuit Court reviews the dismissed lawsuit, people across the nation watch closely.
The fight in Cancer Alley means more than local injustice—it reminds us that racism still affects environmental issues. We need to challenge the fact that race influences who faces pollution risks. Change will require more than new laws—it demands a complete shift in how society values every community equally.
FAQ
Q: What is Cancer Alley?
A: Cancer Alley refers to an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, known for its high concentration of industrial facilities that disproportionately affects Black communities through toxic pollution.
Q: What health risks do residents face in Cancer Alley?
A: Residents experience a significantly higher cancer risk, with statistics showing lifetime risk levels up to 47 times above what the EPA considers acceptable, alongside various respiratory problems.
Q: How have land-use policies contributed to environmental racism?
A: Discriminatory land-use policies have designated predominantly Black areas for industrial development while protecting white neighborhoods, exacerbating health risks and environmental hazards for Black residents.
Q: What legal actions have been taken regarding environmental racism in Cancer Alley?
A: Community groups have filed a civil rights lawsuit against St. James Parish, alleging discrimination based on historical injustices. The case is currently under review by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Q: What is being done at the federal level to address these issues?
A: The Biden administration has pledged stricter environmental protections and funding commitments to address inequities in Cancer Alley, although local resistance remains significant.
Q: What role do community organizations play in this fight?
A: Organizations like Inclusive Louisiana and Rise St. James advocate for environmental justice by demanding an end to new industrial developments and promoting protective measures for communities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.