Spatial Analysis of Environmental Justice Populations in Massachusetts: Quantifying Administrative Burden

[Full Presentation Link] Recently, Massachusetts passed (and continues to amend) the Environmental Communities Act. By outlining 4 possible criteria by which census blocks can qualify as an "environmental justice population", this law aims to protect communities that are particularly predisposed to experiencing environmental injustices by triggering protective measures to take effect prior to the approval of new development projects. In theory, these EJ census blocks should match up with populations that actually suffer (or have historically suffered) environmental injustices. I analyze these blocks’ spatial distribution and evaluate the effectiveness of the policy more broadly.

I critique the Environmental Communities Act through vector analysis, in addition to 2 specific case studies (East Watertown and Westover Air Base), and find that the law does not always achieve its intended outcome. Perverse incentives or 'rebound effects' from the policy seem to occur in the actual implementation. The triggering of EIR's (Environmental Impact Reports) for all projects going through NEPA review (covering 86.6% of the state's area) creates undue administrative burden. Furthermore, the 1-mile and 5-mile secondary regulations are not narrowly-tailored. The long timeline, extensive studies, and legal counsel needed to navigate EIR’s might actually generate disinvestment within these communities. Alternative, less burdensome avenues of recourse such as EIA's or meaningful stakeholder dialogue should be pursued.