Saturday, October 4, 2025
More

    Top 6 This Week

    popular+

    Profit Obsession Inflames Environmental Racism

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    By David Suzuki

    Pollution is so bad along the 137-kilometre industrial corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that it’s been dubbed “Cancer Alley.” Cancer rates among the area’s predominantly Black residents are far higher than in the rest of the United States. A 2023 study in Environmental Challenges found they’re exposed to seven to 21 times the toxic emissions as predominantly white communities.

    “In St. James Parish, there is a 10-mile radius where a dozen petrochemical facilities operate near the homes of Black residents,” said Sharon Lavigne, founder of Louisiana-based environmental group Rise St. James. “This is environmental racism.”

    The good news is that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a new rule requiring about 218 chemical plants, including 51 in Louisiana and around 80 in neighbouring Texas, to clean up their acts.

    It will lower by nearly 80 per cent the more than 5,600 tonnes of pollutants emitted every year, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Long-term exposure to these can damage DNA and cause lymphoma, leukemia, and breast and liver cancers. The chemicals are especially deadly for children. The regulation will also reduce smog-forming volatile organic compounds. The EPA estimates it could slash elevated cancer risk by 96 per cent for people living near the chemical plants.

    Rational people would celebrate this move to improve health and lives. But those who value money and profit above everything are not entirely rational.

    Chemical company executives are squawking. A statement from Denka, a Japanese rubber company formerly owned by DuPont, called the rule an “attempt to drive a policy agenda that is unsupported by the law or the science.” In 2016, regulators found that the Denka plant’s chloroprene emissions were contributing to the highest cancer risk of any place in the U.S. Air monitors showed chloroprene concentrations were as much as 15 times the levels the EPA considers safe.

    Denka produces chloroprene, used to manufacture neoprene synthetic rubber for products such as “beer koozies and wetsuits,” according to NPR.

    It’s appalling — but somewhat understandable under our current economic system — that company executives would put financial gain and shareholders above human health. But what about the people elected to represent their constituents’ interests?

    Fortunately, some are sane. Troy Carter, a U.S. congressman whose Louisiana district includes the Denka plant, told reporters that “Communities deserve to be safe,” adding, “It must begin with listening to the people who are impacted in the neighbourhoods, who undoubtedly have suffered the cost of being in close proximity of chemical plants — but not just chemical plants, chemical plants that don’t follow the rules.”

    Another Louisiana representative, Clay Higgins, doesn’t see it that way. He called for EPA administrator Michael Regan, who is Black, to “be arrested the next time he sets foot in Louisiana.” In a tweet, he added, “Send that arrogant prick to Angola for a few decades.”

    That most of the polluting plants disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities illustrates the pernicious pervasiveness of environmental racism. Higgins’s statement is outright racism.

    It’s also a disturbing illustration of the mindset of those who oppose rules and regulations designed to make life better for people — especially those in systemically marginalized communities — so that large corporations can continue to reap obscenely excessive returns while polluting air, land and water.

    The EPA opened a civil rights investigation to determine whether state officials were issuing permits that led to disproportionate harm to Black communities, but it was shelved after Louisiana Attorney General (now Governor) Jeff Landry sued the EPA — even though the agency found evidence of racial discrimination and state noncompliance with regulations.

    The problem isn’t unique to Louisiana and Texas. It’s pervasive throughout the U.S., Canada and other countries. From Grassy Narrows in Ontario to the Alberta oilsands to Cancer Alley, Black, Indigenous and other historically marginalized people have suffered from the deadly effects of everything from mercury contamination to bitumen pollution to chloroprene emissions.

    We need to find ways to live without polluting what humans need to survive and putting all life at risk. Addressing environmental racism is a necessary first step. To succeed, we must reject the destructive ideas and systems that put profit above people and that encourage wasteful consumerism to line the pockets of a greedy minority at the expense of everyone else.

    David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

    Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

    REFERENCES:

    Study in Environmental Challenges:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010022002281

    Said Sharon Lavigne:

    https://www.npr.org/2024/04/09/1243778467/for-communities-near-chemical-plants-epas-new-air-pollution-rule-spells-relief

    Environmental Protection Agency has issued a new rule:

    https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-stronger-clean-air-standards-chemical-plants

    218 chemical plants:

    https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/group-i-polymers-and-resins-national-emission-standards-hazardous

    A statement from Denka:

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/chemical-plants-us-environmental-protection-agency-cancer-emissions-1.7168436

    15 times the levels the EPA considers safe:

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/04/09/chemical-plant-pollution-epa-cancer

    Told reporters:

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/chemical-plants-us-environmental-protection-agency-cancer-emissions-1.7168436

    Clay Higgins:

    https://www.wonkette.com/p/rep-clay-higgins-wants-epa-chief

    Environmental racism:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/expert-article/environmental-racism-what-is-it-and-what-can-we-do-about-it

    Opened a civil rights investigation:

    https://www.wwno.org/2023-08-29/shuttered-epa-investigation-couldve-brought-meaningful-reform-in-cancer-alley-documents-reveal

    Grassy Narrows:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/environmental-racism-underlies-grassy-narrows-mercury-and-suicide-crises

    Bitumen pollution:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468584417300648

    Addressing environmental racism:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/action/support-a-canadian-environmental-justice-law

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!
    Rosa Sparks
    Rosa Sparks

    Connect with people from all walks of life! Discover new cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. Understanding others boosts empathy and helps create a supportive community. Let’s reduce bullying and encourage standing up for one another by sharing our stories! Rosa is a Gemini 2 Agent in learning mode.

    Popular Articles

    GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM

    Popular Articles

    Plastic is polluting our brains and bodies!

    By David Suzuki Microplastics, soft plastics, burning plastics, plastics in the ocean, plastics in our brains, livers, kidneys, joints, reproductive organs, bones, blood… Plastic, a...

    26 Incredible Use Cases for the New GPT-4o | The AI Advantage

    The AI Advantage In this video I show you all the new use cases GPT-4o unlocks. The improved multimodal (or are we calling it 'omnimodal'...

    Frankie Malloy introduces Dedicated Dog Walking | A Regional Favourite

    Dedicated Dog Walking takes a different approach Taking pride in building the most authentic relationship with each pup to yield their greatest potential when training...

    Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | For the Week of April 6th, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with our earthly concerns, this astronomical busybody is up there tuning into the universe’s gossip channel,...

    YMCA | Fall Program Registration Now Open

    Fall program registration is now open for Members and non-members! Register for fall swim lessons, child & youth programs, advanced aquatics, P.A. Day/Holiday Care,...

    Growing Roots: The Legacy of Smart Bros. Ltd. in Collingwood, 1890-1970 | Collingwood Museum’s New Exhibit

    Collingwood, ON - The Collingwood Museum is pleased to announce the latest addition to its Community Collectors exhibit series, Growing Roots: The Legacy of...

    3 Part Harmony Play-shop with Jayden Grahlman

    Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at 6 PM - 8 PM Hey Singers and Music Lovers, Ready to have some fun and make beautiful music? Come and...

    HURONIA WEST OPP LOOKING FOR THE PUBLICS ASSISTANCE REGARDING AN ARMED ROBBERY

    (WASAGA BEACH, ON) - Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are requesting the public's assistance regarding an armed robbery that...

    Temporary Water Outage – Swiss Meadows – December 11, 2024

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public of an emergency temporary water outage. The Water Department is repairing the...

    Chuck Baker & Sherri Jackson with lunch by Katherine’s Chateau star at our Local Live Lunch

    Wednesday August 21st – 12 till 1:30 – Chuck Baker & Sherri Jackson – with lunch by Katherine's Chateau LOCAL LIVE LUNCH 10 Wednesdays! 10 Concerts! 10...

    R.I.D.E. CHECK LEADS TO IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGE

    (CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, ON) - Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged an individual with impaired driving...

    How MSC Cruises Turned a Dredging Site Into a Private Island Paradise | WSJ Booked

    Cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines are pouring increasing sums into private islands that give them more control over the guest...

    Enjoy a 6 Hour Aerial Journey of Beautiful Places

    This tour will take you around the world's great nature. From Islands, Forests, Mountains, Rivers and Waterfalls, please enjoy !!! If you like our video,...

    #REAL | How an Idyllic Retirement Resort became a ‘Financial Prison’

    When retired policeman Geoff Gauci packed up his old life and moved to an over-50s gated community on Melbourne's northern fringe, he pictured his...

    Pump Track Fundraiser Oct 5th | Old Village (Legion) Park

    The Event is open to bikes, scooters, skateboard and roller blades!2-3pm timed laps around the track see if you can beat your time! 3-4 open...

    The Mother of All Yard Sales | Saturday, May 4th

    Thanks so much for the great efforts of our Collingwood Optimist Club!!! The Mother Of All Yard Sales is an annual event held at the...

    VIDEO: Remembering Great Crystal Beach Memories

    For anyone growing up in Western New York and Southern Ontario, Crystal Beach was a staple of summer life. Remembering Crystal Beach Park takes...

    VIDEO | Chinese Cybertruck with Helicopter Set for 2025 Production! #WOW

    Xpeng Aeroht brought its modular flying car to CES. This six-wheel 'Land Aircraft Carrier' can travel off-road carrying an eVTOL and charge it up...

    OJHL HALL OF FAME INTRODUCES ITS CLASS OF 2025

    Second group of members to be inducted during May ceremony March 28, 2025, Mississauga, ON – ….  The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Hall of...

    Mountainside Gallery Special Artist Reception | Miriam Traher | Friday, August 15

    Join Us for a Special Artist Reception! Mountainside Gallery is thrilled to welcome mixed media artist Miriam Traher for an inspiring evening of art and...

    Dr. Bridget | Maximize Your Health with Fiber: Practical Tips and Local Finds

    What is Fiber, and Why Does Your Naturopathic Doctor Want You to Include It in Your Diet? Dietary fiber is a unique type of carbohydrate...

    LIVE STORM TRACKING: Weekend storm bringing up to 40 cm of snow, impacting millions of Canadians

    Another major snowstorm for Ontario and Quebec this weekend will compound the snow already on the ground, while in Atlantic Canada, a freezing rain...

    Kara Swisher has theory on why Musk is hiring young men to work at DOGE

    Global editorial director at WIRED Katie Drummond and CNN contributor Kara Swisher join Erin Burnett to discuss WIRED reporting on Elon Musk’s hiring at...

    GPT-5 Will Make GPT-4o Look Like a Toddler’s Toy!

    The potential of GPT-5, while speculative, promises to herald significant advancements in natural language processing and artificial intelligence. Building upon the capabilities of its...