Claim #3
“The unresponsive and unaccountable governmental policies and regulations which exist at all levels of government contribute to environmental racism and environmental injustice. Government authorities are frequently unresponsive to community needs regarding environmental inequities due to the existence of an oppressive power structure. Furthermore, governmental availability to powerful corporations who exert power as an act of self-interest also poses problems. Consequently, the victims of environmental injustice find it difficult if not impossible to use governmental resources and power to advance their cause (Carder, "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy").”
Lack of government enforcement is the reason why environmental racism came about and continued to grow. Corporations took advantage of the fact that the government does not enforce regulations upon their power plants. They began to open many power plants that emit lots of toxins some of which are carcinogenic. Even with the Clean Air Act corporations were able to find loopholes because of the governments lack of enforcement. They found ways to not report all the pollutants that their power plants released, which allows them to continue running. Another thing to consider is government officials’ lack of interest to help minorities. Minorities also have less ties to the government so they really cannot reach out for help.
Lack of government enforcement is the reason why environmental racism came about and continued to grow. Corporations took advantage of the fact that the government does not enforce regulations upon their power plants. They began to open many power plants that emit lots of toxins some of which are carcinogenic. Even with the Clean Air Act corporations were able to find loopholes because of the governments lack of enforcement. They found ways to not report all the pollutants that their power plants released, which allows them to continue running. Another thing to consider is government officials’ lack of interest to help minorities. Minorities also have less ties to the government so they really cannot reach out for help.