Air Pollution's Environmental Racism In The Bay Area

Environmental racism in the Bay Area has been a long-standing issue, with air pollution disproportionately affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Decades of discriminatory housing standards and urban planning policies have resulted in neighborhoods with higher percentages of residents of color bearing the brunt of air pollution. This is evident in areas like West and Downtown Oakland, where the impact of air pollution on childhood asthma rates is significantly higher compared to predominantly white neighborhoods. The health consequences of air pollution in these communities include asthma, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and lung damage. Advocates and organizers have been working tirelessly to address these disparities, pushing for policies that reduce pollution and protect the health and well-being of those most vulnerable.

Discriminatory housing and planning policies have led to higher air pollution levels in communities of colour

Environmental justice advocates have long argued that the impact of human activity on the environment disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This disparity is a result of discriminatory housing standards and urban planning policies.

In the Bay Area, for instance, neighbourhoods with higher percentages of residents of colour experience double the rate of asthma from traffic-related air pollution compared to predominantly white neighbourhoods. In West and Downtown Oakland, where over 70% of the population is of colour, up to 1 in 2 new childhood asthma cases are caused by air pollution. By contrast, in an Oakland Hills neighbourhood where over 70% of the population is white, the fraction of childhood asthma from pollution is about 1 in 5 cases.

In Richmond, California, where more than 80% of residents are people of colour and the median household income is below the state average, children have roughly twice the rate of asthma as their neighbours countywide. This is due in part to the presence of industries that contribute to air pollution, such as the Richmond Chevron Refinery, which employ large numbers of residents and contribute to tax revenues.

Discriminatory housing and planning policies have historically concentrated people of colour within distinct and often socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, where they are also disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, including air pollution. Racialized zoning policies, property laws, and practices of credit rationing in disadvantaged majority-minority neighbourhoods have facilitated the entry of polluting industries. Additionally, racial discrimination in the housing market may limit the residential mobility of people of colour, keeping them in polluted neighbourhoods even if they have the financial means to move.

To address these inequalities, regional authorities and community stakeholders can promote comprehensive policies that improve the neighbourhood built environment, land-use planning, transportation policies, and fair housing laws.

Air pollution disproportionately affects BIPOC children in neighbourhoods near the Port of Oakland and Richmond Chevron Refinery

Air pollution is a pressing issue in the Bay Area, with certain racial and ethnic groups bearing the brunt of its health impacts. In particular, BIPOC children in neighbourhoods near the Port of Oakland and Richmond Chevron Refinery are disproportionately affected by poor air quality.

The Port of Oakland's proximity to predominantly BIPOC neighbourhoods in West Oakland has led to residents being extremely close to highly concentrated levels of air pollutants. The heavy-duty trucks carrying cargo to and from the port contribute to the high levels of air pollution in the area. A 2016 study found that residents of West Oakland had a reduced life expectancy of seven years compared to the rest of the county, with higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. The port's operations and tenants, such as the proposed Eagle Rock Aggregates open-air gravel and sand facility, have been met with opposition and lawsuits from environmental groups and residents concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts.

The West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project (WOEIP), a community-based environmental justice organization, has been advocating for improved air quality in the area. They filed a lawsuit against the Port of Oakland and Eagle Rock Aggregates to halt the construction of the new facility, citing concerns about the potential increase in pollution levels. West Oakland children under five years old are already more likely to be hospitalized for severe asthma than in other parts of Alameda County, and the additional pollution from the new facility is expected to exacerbate this issue.

Richmond, California, is another area where BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution. The city is home to the Chevron Refinery, which is the single biggest local source of emissions in Richmond and the surrounding area, according to a 2024 BAAQMD study. Local environmental groups have organized against refinery expansion and sued Chevron, alleging public nuisance and negligence. Chevron has agreed to reduce airborne pollution at its Richmond refinery by 70% following legal battles and community pressure.

The impact of air pollution on childhood asthma is evident in both the Port of Oakland and Richmond neighbourhoods. A study in West and Downtown Oakland found that up to half of new childhood asthma cases were attributed to traffic-related air pollution, affecting predominantly BIPOC communities. Similar patterns are likely to be seen in Richmond, where multiple sources of industrial pollution, including the Chevron Refinery and chemical plants, contribute to the complex mix of pollutants that residents are exposed to daily.

Addressing air pollution in these areas is crucial to protect the health and well-being of BIPOC children and communities. Mitigation efforts, such as reducing traffic-related pollution and transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, can significantly improve air quality and reduce the burden of disease in these disproportionately affected neighbourhoods.

Industries that contribute to air pollution in Richmond and West Oakland bring economic benefits to the region

Richmond and West Oakland are two of the most polluted areas in California's Bay Area. The pollution in these areas disproportionately affects minority and low-income communities, raising concerns about environmental racism. While the industries contributing to the air pollution in these regions have brought economic benefits, the human cost is high.

Richmond, California, has some of the worst air quality in the state. The city is nestled between two major interstates and has a long history of heavy industry, with an active port, railways, and a wastewater treatment facility. Richmond's air quality routinely exceeds federal safety limits, with fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels causing significant health issues for residents. PM 2.5 is created primarily by burning fossil fuels, and in Richmond, it comes from industrial activity and vehicle exhaust on Interstates 80 and 580. Chevron, a major refinery, has also been a source of concern for residents due to flaring episodes that release black smoke.

West Oakland, located in the city of Oakland, is another community with a high cumulative air pollution exposure burden. The area is impacted by mobile sources such as diesel trucks and buses, locomotives, port operations, railyard operations, and adjacent Interstates 580, 980, and 880. West Oakland also has large distribution centers, a cement plant, a power plant, metal facilities, and industrial and manufacturing operations. These industrial sources contribute to high levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), diesel particulate matter (DPM), and toxic air contaminants (TACs).

While the industries in Richmond and West Oakland have brought economic benefits and shaped the cities' identities, the negative consequences of air pollution cannot be ignored. Pollution in these areas has been linked to increased health risks, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Lower-income communities, which are prevalent in West Oakland and Richmond, often suffer more severely due to higher in-home pollution exposures and decreased access to pollution control measures.

Addressing air pollution in Richmond and West Oakland is crucial for environmental justice and the well-being of residents. While the industries have brought economic benefits, it is essential to find a balance that protects the health and livelihoods of the communities affected by this pollution.

Local refineries are now required to install wet gas scrubbing technology to reduce pollution

Environmental racism is prevalent in the Bay Area, with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. A study by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) found that neighborhoods in West and Downtown Oakland, where over 70% of the population is non-white, experienced double the rate of asthma from traffic-related air pollution compared to predominantly white neighborhoods. Similarly, in Richmond, where more than 80% of residents are people of color, children have twice the rate of asthma as those living in neighborhoods with a majority white population.

The East Bay Community Foundation has been actively working to address these disparities. In 2021, residents of Richmond and environmental justice organizations, including the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) and Communities for a Better Environment, rallied outside the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) headquarters. They demanded the approval of a new rule to mitigate the pollution produced by the catalytic cracking process used by local gasoline refineries. As a result of their efforts, the BAAQMD approved the rule, mandating that local refineries install wet gas scrubbing technology on their most polluting units.

Wet gas scrubbing technology, or wet scrubbers, are devices that remove pollutants from gas streams. They work by causing the gaseous contamination to become dissolved into a liquid stream, with the solids entrained in the liquid. Wet scrubbers can effectively remove various airborne pollutants, including harmful gases like chromic acid, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants are designated as some of the most harmful by the Environmental Protection Agency. By installing wet scrubbers, local refineries can minimize their environmental impact and reduce the health risks associated with air pollution for nearby communities.

While wet scrubbers offer an effective solution for reducing air pollution, they are susceptible to operating problems if certain factors, such as pressure differential, liquid flow, and gas flow, are not carefully controlled. Additionally, wet scrubbers may face challenges such as high pressure drops, internal plugging, corrosion, and the need for extensive freezing protection in cold climates. However, with proper adjustments and efficient design, the mass transfer of pollutants from gas to liquid can be optimized, enhancing the performance of wet scrubbers.

The implementation of wet gas scrubbing technology in local refineries is a significant step towards addressing environmental racism in the Bay Area. By reducing air pollution, particularly in communities of color, this technology has the potential to mitigate the disproportionate health impacts, such as asthma and other respiratory issues, experienced by BIPOC individuals in the region. This technological intervention is a testament to the power of community organizing and the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in the Bay Area.

The Bay Area's air pollution takes a massive toll on the health of communities, with certain areas facing a particularly large burden

In the Bay Area, air pollution has been linked to various health issues, with certain neighborhoods bearing the brunt of these impacts. Analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and George Washington University reveals the disproportionate burden faced by specific areas. For instance, in West and Downtown Oakland, where over 70% of the population consists of people of color, air pollution has contributed to a high rate of childhood asthma, with up to half of new cases attributed to traffic-related pollution. In contrast, predominantly white neighborhoods, such as an Oakland Hills community, exhibit a much lower rate of childhood asthma due to pollution, with only about one in five cases.

The health disparities are stark, with neighborhoods that have higher percentages of residents of color experiencing double the rate of asthma from traffic-related air pollution compared to predominantly white areas. This reality reflects the environmental inequity that stems from decades of discriminatory policies and practices. The industries contributing to air pollution in these areas may provide economic benefits, but the health impacts of air pollution, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia, and lung damage, cannot be overlooked.

To address these disparities, it is crucial to focus on reducing traffic-related pollution. EDF estimates that lowering Bay Area pollution levels to the regional median could save more than 1,000 lives and prevent 2,000 new childhood asthma cases. Additionally, transitioning to zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles is essential, with targets for new cars by 2035 and new trucks and buses by 2040. By understanding the localized impacts of air pollution on health, policymakers can prioritize mitigation efforts and protect the most vulnerable communities.

Community organizing and advocacy have led to victories in reducing the disproportionate effects of air pollution. In Richmond, residents and environmental justice groups successfully rallied for the approval of a new cat cracker rule, requiring local refineries to adopt pollution-reducing technology. Such efforts are crucial in the fight for environmental justice and ensuring that all communities in the Bay Area can thrive with clean air and a healthy environment.

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