Cumulative Impacts Assessment
Heavy industry in Michigan has long taken its toll on our environment and residents alike. The concentration of such industry in Black and Brown communities adds significant economic and health stressors to already vulnerable populations. These compounding effects are known as cumulative impacts. We can address this issue by adding a cumulative impact assessment to air quality permit processes in order to protect frontline communities from further exposure and harm.
Air pollution, which causes asthma and other respiratory problems, is responsible for increased hospitalizations and premature deaths in Michigan every year.
In fact, Michigan has one of the highest asthma rates in the country. Coal-fired power plants are the biggest culprits behind our polluted air. Automobiles, waste incinerators, refineries and other industrial sources also emit a range of toxins into our air and cost us billions in excess healthcare costs.
Our vision for change:
Ensure the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) takes cumulative impacts into account in air quality permitting to better protect communities facing multi-source pollution.
- Delineate overburdened community zones using MI Environmental Justice Screening Tool data and ensure this database is regularly updated.
- Require enhanced upfront community engagement before facilities are proposed in overburdened communities, including the preparation of a cumulative health impact assessment by the applicant and accessible public hearings.
- Enable EGLE to establish stricter permit conditions that protect overburdened communities, including the ability to deny permit applications.
More Health & Justice campaigns
We need bold legislative action that catalyzes movement towards a 100% emissions-free power sector, including pushing utilities to accelerate the transition to clean energy and removing burdensome restrictions to renewable energy.
Power environmental change today.
Your gift to the Michigan Environmental Council is a powerful investment in the air we breathe, our water and the places we love.
Sign up for environmental news & stories.
"*" indicates required fields