Environmental inequity

Konisky (2009) proves that there are class-based inequities in government enforcement of environmental laws through his research. He also says that “state enforcement behavior is strongly associated with economic class at the county level” (p. 117). He suggests that the federal government could reduce the environmental disparities using grants (or financial assistance), and “environmental justice concern” (p.118).

I am more interested in the reason why the environmental disparities are occurred especially in county’s level. There might be some reasons such as more public indifference or less interest group to involve the environmental decision making in low income communities, compared with high income communities. I think, because the poor are more interested in their livings rather than the politics. Without public’s resistance of environmental policy, abominations such as landfills or incineration plants are likely to be constructed in the communities. This tendency makes the environmental inequity, I think.