Following World War II, the Black community in Houston had the opportunity to purchase homes in Pleasantville, Texas, a new neighborhood. However, over time, the construction of Interstate 610 along one side of Pleasantville and the growth of heavy industry nearby, including cement plants, had a negative impact on the community.
Upon taking office in 2021, the Biden administration made significant promises to address environmental justice issues in polluted areas predominantly inhabited by Black, Latino, Indigenous, and low-income residents. The administration engaged with around 30 environmental justice groups nationwide to assess its delivery on these promises.
Environmental justice advocates praised the Biden administration for its unprecedented level of action, including seeking advice from communities, implementing stricter environmental protections, and allocating tens of billions of dollars in funding towards addressing environmental injustices.
While progress has been made, some local advocates have raised concerns about the administration’s policies not being strong enough to effectively reduce pollution and improve their living conditions. There are apprehensions about the administration’s support for climate technologies that may worsen environmental conditions.
Notably, communities like Pleasantville received funding from Biden’s initiatives. For instance, Pleasantville residents will use federal grants to conduct air testing to understand air quality issues, which is a crucial first step towards improving environmental conditions in the area.
The Biden administration’s efforts have also included allocating funds to various environmental justice organizations across the country, focusing on community-based projects such as clean energy initiatives and addressing environmental hazards.
While there have been strides in environmental justice advancements under the Biden administration, dissatisfaction remains among some environmental justice groups. Concerns have been raised regarding the administration’s enforcement of environmental laws, difficulties in accessing federal funding, and reservations about the promotion of carbon capture and storage technology.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, the Biden administration continues to work towards embedding environmental justice principles into federal policies. Officials acknowledge that progress takes time and that there is still much work to be done to address environmental injustices and protect vulnerable communities.
