Environmental Injustice: Residential Proximity to Oil Refineries

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Health-based scholarship has repeatedly shown that exposure to environmental pollutants has a damaging effect on various health outcomes. Additionally, prior environmental justice research has demonstrated that there are racial and economic disparities between neighborhoods that have greater exposure to environmental pollutants. Using regression analysis, the current study seeks to extend this body of knowledge by examining these disparities at a local level between two neighboring states, focusing on exposure to oil refineries. Based on prior literature, the authors expect that neighborhoods surrounding oil refineries in both states tend to be inhabited by minorities and low-income residents. Findings and implications are discussed.

Authors

• Marilyn Ee, Sam Houston State University

• Taylor Robinson, Sam Houston State University

• Elisa Toman, Sam Houston State University