EPA’s Office of Inspector General released a report showing EPA failed to complete overdue reviews of air toxics emission standards for stationary sources, and needed a strategy to address them. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA is required to assess the health and environmental risks that remain after implementing new standards. If those risks are unacceptable, EPA must revise the standard. As communities of color and low-income communities are more likely to live near these sources, the report noted that the overdue reviews may “disproportionately impact communities with environmental justice concerns” as “minority and low-income populations are more likely to live near industrial facilities or other pollution sources.” The Office of Inspector General recommended that EPA determine a strategy that includes the staff and resources needed to meet the review deadlines and take into account the Agency’s environmental justice responsibilities.
Federal Environmental Justice Tracker