Detroit Action responds to SCOTUS Dismantling Decades of Health, Environmental, and Climate Justice Protections

In less than a week, the Supreme Court has handed down two regressive rulings whose impact will have serious implications for Black, brown and low-income communities across the nation. Today, the Supreme Court’s far-right majority has ruled in favor of corporate actors, and will be moving to limit the powers of the Clean Air Act. Make no mistake, the ruling on West Virginia vs EPA is a direct, coordinated attack on the health and well-being of low-income communities of color.

The disparate racial impact of fossil fuels and its associated health effect, specifically regarding asthma and cancer, has aggravated inner cities and marginalized neighborhoods. We’ve seen firsthand how poor, urban communities have largely been victims of destructive public planning, and how prioritization of large corporations over people and inconsiderate policies that have contributed to health problems. Limiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate climate change will only exacerbate the problem.

Environmental racism is well and alive in this country, and the Court’s decision to support and rule in favor of the onslaught attacks pushed by greedy corporations and billionaires, religious extremists, and white supremacists will undoubtedly leave the working class both sick and powerless.

From abortion rights to environmental protections, it is Black, Indigenous, and people of color who will see further criminalization, more surveillance, increasing health problems, and less economic mobility. We reject today’s callous decision and demand Democrats in power pass a package that will invest in climate, care, jobs and justice. The health and safety of our communities must remain in the hands of those directly affected.