A federal judge recently halted construction on a mine because of its potential effects on Indigenous lands. The Hualapai Tribe is suing to stop a lithium mine that threatens a water source. An environmental organization is suing the EPA for failing to enforce air pollution laws. And a Black community in Randolph pushed back on a proposed natural gas generating station that residents say will worsen already toxic air.

What those incidents have in common, activists say, are historically disenfranchised communities negatively affected by pollution and climate change seeking environmental justice.

The concept has been gaining momentum for years in Arizona, where industrial and mining operations have left polluted legacies in lower-income urban neighborhoods and on tribal lands around the state.

It has recently gained the attention of local and national leaders, who last month wooed communities whose support they’ll need in the face of opposition from industry groups and elected officials skeptical of more regulation. Those leaders want to enact new laws that could put in place some of the most sweeping environmental laws in a generation.

Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources, toured the country to tout the benefits of a piece of legislation he hopes will help communities get a seat at the table for projects that impact their communities. So far, he’s taken his message to numerous states, including New York, New Mexico and now Arizona.

Some lawmakers and environmental advocates hope the legislation will fill some of the gaps left by the now-stalled Build Back Better Act. While not a complete replacement, the Environmental Justice for All Act would make the process of starting federal projects a more equitable, holistic endeavor, supporters say. The bill would require federal agencies to increase inclusiveness and seek input from communities affected by environmental projects before they even begin.

Meanwhile, protesters rallied at the Arizona capitol on Earth Day to call on leaders to act on climate change. State Rep. Morgan Abraham, former Sen. Kirsten Engel, and health advocates also called on President Biden to enact stronger air protections to reduce pollution from power plants.

Activists say such actions are critical now. According to a recent report by the National Lung Association, over 6 million Arizonans live in areas with poor air quality, dangerous levels of particulate matter and ozone pollution.

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Source: Arizona Republic – May 16, 2022
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