Environmental group seeks justice for poor
Anti-pollution policy not followed, activists say
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Spencer Hunt
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Environmental groups say Ohio should do more to protect poor and minority communities from pollution and are asking residents of those neighborhoods for help.

A forum scheduled for today at the Marion-Franklin Recreation Center marks the start of a statewide push for "environmental justice."

Two other forums are planned for Cincinnati and Cleveland, said Lois Gibbs, director of the Washingtonbased Center for Health Environment and Justice.

Gibbs is known for exposing the toxic-waste scandal in Love Canal, N.Y.

She said state and federal governments have done little since former President Clinton created his environmental justice policy in 1994.

Clinton’s executive order demands that government agencies ensure that their policies do not create health and environmental problems in predominantly poor or minority communities.

Gibbs said state environmental officials should have to weigh pollution from all nearby businesses before they approve construction of new factories or renew permits for existing plants.

Teresa Mills, director of the Buckeye Environmental Network, said the Marion-Franklin neighborhood on Columbus’ South Side is a good example.

Plants owned by Georgia Pacific and Sherwin Williams are nearby and are the source of neighborhood complaints.

Melinda McCarron, public involvement manager for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, said the state tries to build partnerships with different community groups to address specific concerns.