The locations of airports, polluting factories and incinerators, and other environmental hazards in disadvantaged or predominantly minority communities isn’t an accident, and it’s not fair. In a changing world and climate, ensuring transparency, fairness, clean water and air, and a safe environment for all is more important than ever. In this episode, guest Abre’ Conner, Director of the NAACP’s Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, discusses the fight for fairness and the right for all to live in a safe and clean environment. No matter where you are on your career path, learn how you can get involved in the emerging field of environmental justice, which ranges from constitutional and civil rights to voting laws, transparent governance, and environmental regulation and protections. The sector is so broad that there is no one “right path,” only the will to do good and protect the planet and the people who live on it.

Mentioned in this Episode:

United Church of Christ (UCC), “Toxic Waste and Race at Twenty”

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act

NAACP report, “Jackson Water Crisis”

Sackett v. EPA, Supreme Court of the United States

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act”

Abre’ Conner testimony before the Congressional Committee on Homeland Security, Sept. 21, 2022, transcript

The White House, Council on Environmental Quality 

American Bar Association Environmental, Social Justice, and Sustainability Committee

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section