HOUSTON (KIAH) — He’s called the “Father of Environmental Justice”. For 45 years, Dr. Robert Bullard has worked tirelessly to bring attention to environmental problems in communities.
A new report from the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University reveals how a massive wave of petrochemical expansion is once again targeting the state’s most vulnerable neighborhoods — the same communities that have been overexposed and under protected for decades.
Now, a new documentary brings that study to life, in order to bring awareness to the plight of neighbors being impacted and why we all need to change this. I had a chance to talk to Dr. Bullard about the study and the documentary that hopes to open eyes to what’s going on in the community. He talks about the environmental problems facing the community, how the documentary focuses a light on this and how you can see it for yourself and help.
“Green Light to Pollute in Texas” looks at how the Petrochemical facilities target more vulnerable communities. Based on the study, Bullard says 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across 5 of the states regions… the findings show,
- 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families living in poverty.
- Nearly half are in neighborhoods ranked among the worst 10% in the U.S. for toxic air releases.
- 93% sit near other high-risk chemical plants covered by federal Risk Management Plans — compounding the threat of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.
Lead author Dr. Robert D. Bullard, says this pattern represents “policy regression, not progress.” While Texas touts economic growth, the report shows that pollution, not prosperity, is what’s being concentrated in Black and Latino communities.
Texas now leads the nation in chemical incidents, while federal protections are being rolled back — creating what Dr. Bullard calls a “green light to pollute” that puts families, children, and entire cities at risk.
About the Bullard CenterThe Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas SouthernUniversity was established to address the systemic inequities and structural racism that drivedisproportionate environmental and climate impacts in Black and other communities of color.The Center combines research, advocacy, and education to advance a vision of equitable andsustainable futures for all…