Race is the number one indicator for the placement of toxic facilities in the United States. What exactly does this mean, and why is it an increasingly concerning issue for minority communities?
In 2015, about 67 percent of electricity generated in the United States came from fossil fuels, with 33 percent of that coming from coal-fired power plants (EIA). That means that coal, along with natural gas, is the energy source used the most in the U.S.
Nearly six million Americans live within three miles of a coal power plant, which tend to be disproportionately located in low-income and minority communities (Wilson).
Thirty-nine percent of that six million are people of color, which is higher than the 36 percent proportion of people of color in the total U.S. population.
Further, about 68 percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant (Patterson).
So what does it matter?
Coal plants have dangerous affects on the communities surrounding them by emitting a large proportion of toxins into the air (Wilson). Prolonged exposure to these toxins are tied to birth defects, heart disease, asthma attacks, lung disease, learning difficulties and lower property values (Patterson).
An African-American child is three times more likely than a white American child to be admitted to the hospital, and twice more likely to die from an asthma attack. African Americans are less likely to smoke than white Americans are, yet more likely to die of lung disease. Properties close to toxic facilities average 15 percent lower property values.
WORKS CITED
Patterson, J. (2014). Just Energy Policies: Reducing Pollution and Creating Jobs. Retrieved from http://www.naacp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/JustEnergyPolicies%20Compendium%20EXECUTIVE%20SUMMARY%20FINAL%20FEBRUARY%202014.pdf.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (2016, April 1). What is U.S. electricity generation by energy sources? Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=427&t=3.
Wilson, A. (2012). Coal Blooded: Putting Profits Before People. Retrieved from http://www.naacp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Coal_Blooded_Executive_Summary_Update.pdf.
In 2015, about 67 percent of electricity generated in the United States came from fossil fuels, with 33 percent of that coming from coal-fired power plants (EIA). That means that coal, along with natural gas, is the energy source used the most in the U.S.
Nearly six million Americans live within three miles of a coal power plant, which tend to be disproportionately located in low-income and minority communities (Wilson).
Thirty-nine percent of that six million are people of color, which is higher than the 36 percent proportion of people of color in the total U.S. population.
Further, about 68 percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant (Patterson).
So what does it matter?
Coal plants have dangerous affects on the communities surrounding them by emitting a large proportion of toxins into the air (Wilson). Prolonged exposure to these toxins are tied to birth defects, heart disease, asthma attacks, lung disease, learning difficulties and lower property values (Patterson).
An African-American child is three times more likely than a white American child to be admitted to the hospital, and twice more likely to die from an asthma attack. African Americans are less likely to smoke than white Americans are, yet more likely to die of lung disease. Properties close to toxic facilities average 15 percent lower property values.
WORKS CITED
Patterson, J. (2014). Just Energy Policies: Reducing Pollution and Creating Jobs. Retrieved from http://www.naacp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/JustEnergyPolicies%20Compendium%20EXECUTIVE%20SUMMARY%20FINAL%20FEBRUARY%202014.pdf.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (2016, April 1). What is U.S. electricity generation by energy sources? Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=427&t=3.
Wilson, A. (2012). Coal Blooded: Putting Profits Before People. Retrieved from http://www.naacp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Coal_Blooded_Executive_Summary_Update.pdf.