Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2011
Location
Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-9-2011 2:35 PM
End Date
4-9-2011 3:35 PM
Disciplines
Economics
Abstract
In 2008, 21,695 industrial facilities reported to the US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory Program. Collectively, these facilities reported releasing 3.86 billion pounds of toxic chemicals into the local environment. Of these 3.86 billion pounds of toxic chemicals, 78.7 million were released in the state of Illinois. This study addresses the question of whether or not this toxic pollution is distributed equally between individuals of different race in Illinois. The study uses both county-level hazardous air emissions data from the EPA and US Census data from the years 2000 and 2008. The study employs both statistical analysis and ordinary least squares regressions and determines that Illinois counties with higher populations of black residents are more likely to have higher levels of hazardous air emissions.
Included in
Environmental Equity in Illinois: A County-Level Comparison of Toxic Releases
Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
In 2008, 21,695 industrial facilities reported to the US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory Program. Collectively, these facilities reported releasing 3.86 billion pounds of toxic chemicals into the local environment. Of these 3.86 billion pounds of toxic chemicals, 78.7 million were released in the state of Illinois. This study addresses the question of whether or not this toxic pollution is distributed equally between individuals of different race in Illinois. The study uses both county-level hazardous air emissions data from the EPA and US Census data from the years 2000 and 2008. The study employs both statistical analysis and ordinary least squares regressions and determines that Illinois counties with higher populations of black residents are more likely to have higher levels of hazardous air emissions.