Additional Coverage:
In her first significant television interview since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about various topics, delivering her viewpoint from Chester, Pennsylvania. At a local campaign event led by Harris and her running mate Walz, environmental activist Zulene Mayfield urged a group of several hundred attendees to catalyze unprecedented community mobilization.
Chester, a city with more than 75% Black residents, is recognized as an area suffering from disproportionate climate and pollution challenges—often referred to as an “environmental justice community.” According to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1995, the city reported extremely high levels of lead in blood and elevated cancer risks. The study also noted a childhood asthma rate 20% above the national average.
Despite enduring decades of industrial pollution primarily from fracking and similar activities, the Chester community continues to rally in large numbers at public forums to protest the expansion of such industries. These industries are seen as detrimental to health and insufficient in economic benefits for the residents. While the support for the Democratic party remains strong—90% voted for President Biden in 2020—the voter turnout is notably low, with only 43% participation compared to the 66% national turnout that year.
Mayor Stefan Roots shared personal anecdotes of growing up in Chester, recalling how as a child he was fascinated by the rainbows on the water during ferry rides, not realizing they were caused by oil slicks. The nighttime flares from oil refineries were a source of fear, representing the heavy industrial presence that seemed to offer little benefit to the community.
The city’s economic struggles continue as it now primarily relies on a casino, trash and sewage incinerators for revenue. The local government and residents are pushing for federal support for job training in green industries and improving public services through initiatives like the Justice40, which aims to direct 40% of federal environmental benefits to disadvantaged communities.
However, local and national political decisions have often disappointed residents. The recent debates and decisions regarding the installation of a liquefied natural gas terminal, the ongoing support for fracking, and other industrial developments have sparked frustration and disillusionment among voters like Thom Nixon and James Harper Jr., who express deep concerns about both employment prospects and environmental safety.
Residents like Roland Taylor express a complex relationship with the Democratic party, citing personal losses to diseases he links to environmental pollution and stressing the importance of community-led development versus relying solely on political promises. Despite these challenges, environmental leaders like Mayfield remain focused on rallying support for Harris, viewing her as a critical ally against opposing political forces that they believe offer no relief to communities like Chester.