Part two: Alsen - from rural to ruin an example of environmental racism

Journal Article · · West Virginia Law Review; (United States)

OSTI ID:7078991

Robinson, F T

The small community of Alsen provides and excellent example of how environmental racism can affect an area. However, before I discuss Alsen and its many problems, the author feels it is important to first briefly explain what environmental racism means to me, and second, distinguish environmental racism from environmental injustice. Environmental racism is a subtle form of racism that has not so subtle effects. It often has historical roots, where the initial problem was created many years ago by society's racism, with the practices then becoming entrenched in the system or institutionalized. In contrast, environmental injustice is broader than environmental racism because it includes Whites, as well as People of Color. In environmental injustice, socioeconomic class is the over-riding issue. Just as with environmental racism, it may have historical roots, and the practices may also become entrenched in the system. Political power, or the lack thereof, is the common thread interwoven between both concepts.

• OSTI ID: 7078991
• Journal Information: West Virginia Law Review; (United States), Journal Name: West Virginia Law Review; (United States) Vol. 96:2; ISSN 0043-3268; ISSN WVLRDO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990400 -- Law
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LOW INCOME GROUPS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MINORITY GROUPS
POPULATIONS
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
TOXIC MATERIALS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT