Environmental Racism

Abstract

In this article we examine the role of the planning profession in the evolution of environmental community development. When others speak of government officials, bureaucrats, and policymakers, it is more likely than not they are referring to people who have some training in planning. Planners often deal with complex and controversial issues, especially as they relate to land. In terms of environmental justice and people of color, planners are now called on to meaningfully identify all the aspects of this issue and will be called on to develop fair processes for dispute resolution. We begin with a definition, a justification, and a brief history of American planning. We then describe some of the traditional equitable concerns of the planning profession. These have always been major concerns for planners. The Planner's Code of Ethics contains one of the strongest affirmations of redistribution of any profession. The housing and community development area of planning has focused on issues of equity, whereas traditional environmental planning has not. At this point it will become apparent that a schism exists between these two major planning areas. We will discuss the reasons for this. Most important, we will examine the forces bringing a merger of environmental and equity concerns in American planning. As planning adapts to changes in society, environmental planning at the grassroots neighborhood level will become an important area for environmental justice, with tremendous impli-