We look forward to working together with the governor to make environmental justice a reality in our state for the underserved communities.
Youngkin recognized February’s history and achievements as Black Americans in February. His leadership will be crucial to addressing the challenges and expanding the opportunities.
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More than 1 million peopleRural Virginia is home for many of the most influential people in the state. Yet, profit-driven companies often seek to build on the land they have left. Why should the economic viability of these communities be traded to fund another corporate project.
The ongoing review of the proposal Green Ridge mega-landfillThis is the most recent example in Virginia of environmental injustice that has affected a rural community. The outcome will have lasting effects. As a native Virginian who has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Virginians have equal opportunity, I believe that rejecting the mega-landfill proposal would be a significant step towards closing the state’s inequalities and gaps.
Cumberland County, an area that has been historically rural and poor, is the location of the landfill. The county is home to more than 250,000 people. 30% Black. The landfill could deprive the community of the economic stability it so desperately needs. Numerous studies show the unintended and negative consequences of a megalandfill on a local economic system, as well as its obvious environmental impacts such as air pollution and water pollutants. The most significant effect of a megalandfill is that it lowers the value of homes and other real estate assets. The depreciation and loss of real estate value will affect Cumberland County’s ability to attract new businesses and invest in the area.
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Due to their historical disadvantages and insufficient safety nets, the negative effects of the megalandfill will have adisproportionate effect on Black communities. Cumberland County residents make up 74% of the population. This means that declining land values could have a significant impact on many families and could lead to a decline in their property value.
The Mega-landfill PlanIt blatantly ignores its socioeconomic and environmental consequences on Cumberland County, Virginia, and the entire Commonwealth.
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There is a law that can be used to delegitimize or reject the Green Ridge project. This law was passed in 2020. Virginia Environmental Justice ActEnvironmental justice is the equal treatment and meaningful participation of all people, regardless of race or color, income, faith or disability, in the development, implementation, enforcement, or enforcement any environmental law, regulation or policy. However, the mega-landfill would have a disproportionate impact on the basic needs of the Black communities. This includes access to clean drinking water from their private wells. The mega-landfills negative and disproportionate effects on our communities that are least served by the landfills do not reflect the fair treatment as envisioned in our state law.
By blocking the Virginia Environmental Justice Act, these people will be protected from the negative economic and physical effects of living near a unwanted landfill. It could also be the first step towards restoring their faith in the state leadership that has long neglected their health or prosperity. Youngkin should not be expected to solve all the state’s historical problems of social and environmental justice. We can help our state tackle this problem by giving the opportunity to those who are often overlooked and rejecting projects that are clearly harmful to neighboring communities.
