More details later [this post will be expanded], brief recap from the EPA Environmental Justice conference's recap as of 27 August 2011:
The EPA conference has adjourned with discussion about the efficacy/inefficacy of human and civil rights legal entities--US, how its applicability is unclear for tribal nations, and recommendations to pursue international human rights jurisdiction as an alternative route since current US environmental health protections are insufficient.
The EPA conference has adjourned with discussion about the efficacy/inefficacy of human and civil rights legal entities--US, how its applicability is unclear for tribal nations, and recommendations to pursue international human rights jurisdiction as an alternative route since current US environmental health protections are insufficient.
The EPA is currently backlogged with 40 complaints
Title VI (on human/civil rights) has been deemed an outstanding potential resource, but is currently ineffective due to lack of enforcement/ enforcement capacity and conflicting systems between the US EPA and US Department of Justice.
Title VI (on human/civil rights) has been deemed an outstanding potential resource, but is currently ineffective due to lack of enforcement/ enforcement capacity and conflicting systems between the US EPA and US Department of Justice.
Title VII (on civil rights to employment*) has also been deemed a potentially powerful tool--when afflicted communities contribute to becoming the leadership of major companies and organizations, it follows that closer consideration for human rights and sensitivity to environmental quality will be given (stated by Rhode Island environmental lawyer Stephen Fishbach).
Proof of direct causation for harm is a common legal misconception for those suffering health issues from environmental problems (response from the US Gulf of Mexico Enbridge/BP spill fund continue to use direct causation as a way to deny current claims.
Recap on the conference, and next step/future recommendations were also shared--neat idea from Brazillian delegate: Inform consumers about the products they use with an Environmental Justice label.
Potential locations for the next EPA EJ conference? Coal belt Appalachia, First Nations Territory(/ies), First Nation Territory in coal belt Appalachia, North Carolina. Satellite/web/television broadcasting
As an aside, pictures from Thursday's Science Cafe are coming soon too, thank you to everyone who supported the event in their presence or their works unseen!
*I'll have to look at my notes again from the rush transcript of the panel session for more details when I have freer time.
