How large must the minority or low-income population be to consider Environmental Justice?
Disproportionately high and adverse effects, not size, are the bases for Environmental Justice. A very small minority or low-income population in the project, study, or planning area does not eliminate the possibility of a disproportionately high and adverse effect on these populations. What is needed is to show the comparative effects on these populations in relation to either non-minority or higher income populations, as appropriate. Some people wrongly suggest that if minority or low-income populations are small (“statistically insignificant”), this means there is no environmental justice consideration. While the minority or low-income population in an area may be small, this does not eliminate the possibility of a disproportionately high and adverse effect of a proposed action. Environmental Justice determinations are made based on effects, not population size. It is important to consider the comparative impact of an action among different population groups.
Related Questions
- Must there be a neighborhood or community of minority, or low-income groups in order for there to be a Title VI and Environmental Justice effect?
- Is there a minimum or maximum size of the minority or low-income population for Environmental Justice?
- How large must the minority or low-income population be to consider EJ?
