City News Service. (2021, February 12). Conservation groups signal intent to Sue EPA over air pollution in San Diego. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2021/02/11/conservation-groups-signal-intent-to-sue-epa-over-air-pollution-in-san-diego/

 

Conservation groups are alleging that San Diego and Ventura counties are two regions in California that have failed to pass basic air quality standards concerning the ozone, and intend to sue the EPA over this failure. The groups allege the EPA has not properly regulated and ensured plans are in place to limit pollution from oil and methane gas. The areas mentioned in the letter have a population of about 4 million people who are at risk due to air pollution that disproportionately affects low income individuals and those without proper ventilation and untreated chronic health problems.

 

The article relates to environmental science as it directly concerns environmental regulations in California and what happens when they are not followed, including their disparate impact on the poor. The poor, often minorities you have been routinely excluded from the full benefits of increased energy generation, and made to bear the brunt of the environmental damage they create, are not as able to cope with the health effects of air pollution. If they have chronic conditions that are untreated air pollution can worsen symptoms and reactions and cause damage, particularly to the lungs. Even for those without chronic conditions, long exposure to unsafe air can be harmful, particularly when they live in under ventilated and under secured housing, as an impoverished person might.This difference in impacts of environmental damage is an example of the issues climate justice is attempting to resolve. I am pleased environmental groups are willing to take up this fight for clean air, although it is unfortunate the conversation must be had in the first place. I hope the new federal administration is more willing to work with states, such as California, to mitigate environmental damage.