. . . . . . . . The term "environmental justice" is often used to refer to the
disparate impact the environmental decision-making of government and corporate entities has on minorities, people of color, indigenous people, and low-income citizens. See Patrick C. McGinley, Environmental Justice, Syllabus, West Virginia University College of Law (Spring 1999). Examples of such decision-making include choices with regard to the enforcement of and adherence to environmental laws and the site selection of industrial facilities which create toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes. See id. When these governmental or corporate entities act so as to infringe upon the protected rights of a particular community of individuals, such conduct is sometimes characterized as "environmental racism." See id.
. . . . . . . . The College of Law at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., offers a seminar in environmental justice. Rather than just focusing on the study of "environmental racism," this course takes a broader perspective on the subject of environmental justice. According to Professor Patrick C. McGinley, the class examines "the struggle of individuals, communities[,] and grass-roots organizations to advance the basic human right to a clean[,] livable environment[.]" Id. To this end, each participant of the seminar develops an independent project designed to "achieve some modicum of social-justice by using a variety of methods including . . . political and legal action to secure more environmentally safe, healthy[,] and livable communities and more rigorous enforcement of existing law." Id. See also Essays on Environmental Justice, 96 W. Va. L. Rev. 1015-1190 (1994). This website is one such project.
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. . . . . . . . Although the State of West Virginia ranks among the lowest in the country with regard to personal income, it has one of the highest number of chemical plants and oil refineries, per capita, than any other state in the nation. With so many West Virginians dependent on these companies for good paying jobs, it should be of no surprise to learn that many are hesitant to publicly examine the environmental practices of their industrial neighbors. Certainly, faced with the deep-pockets of a multi-national conglomerate, the average West Virginian may indeed feel disempowered due to his meager economic condition or lack of education. As a consequence, many individuals co-exist with industry without ever fully being informed as to the environmental hazards they face.
. . . . . . . . The purpose of this project is to educate the citizens of the Mid-Ohio Valley about the chemicals hazards which exist in their very own community and to empower them to take action for themselves. This project should not be construed as an attack on any particular industry or firm. It is recognized that the chemical plants and oil refineries located in the Mid-Ohio Valley are, for the most part, responsible, safe, and good neighbors. Rather, this project is simply a method for disseminating publicly available material which is usually created by the companies themselves.
