EPA Must Be an Active Agent of Change

摘要

Fredrick Douglass said that America glories in its refinement, but continues to maintain a dreadful system begun in avarice, supported in pride, and perpetuated in cruelty. The subordination and oppression of the non-elite and non-entitled is now reaching crisis level.For decades we have known that there is a direct correlation between race, income, socioeco-nomic status, and the amount of environmental degradation people are forced to endure. Flint, Michigan, and Franklin, Indiana, are prime examples of how racism and classism create a persistent, inter-generational pattern of differentiation in relation to risks and harms. Whether intentionally or not, EPA and the regulatory elites have promulgated so-called "neutral rules" that perpetuate an ever-growing environmental caste system.Black Lives Matter and Stop AAPI Hate typify the call for a system of governance that does not default to the template that has for decades oppressed and subordinated rural communities, poor communities, and communities of color. EPA must stop being a knowing or unknowing participant in regulatory oppression and become an active agent of change. This type of equitable social change is only possible when all people are seen as important and all "the important people" are seated at the regulatory table.