Environmental Justice

Historical patterns of discriminatory exposure to toxic and environmental hazards put vulnerable communities at higher risk of serious health problems.

What we are doing

Our community-driven, multiracial movement challenges and uproots systemic, historic causes of environmental injustices. Beyond Toxics is fighting for clean air and water by demanding strong health criteria to protect Oregon’s vulnerable communities.

Projects

Air Quality

We work with communities impacted by the harmful effects of industrial air toxics and off-gassing groundwater plumes, diesel particulate and carbon pollution. Our advocacy for air emission reporting helped lead the state to adopt a new program requiring industries to report their air toxics emissions inventory and make the data available to the public. Learn more

Climate Justice

The impacts of climate change unjustly and disproportionately burdens communities who have contributed least to the problem. Climate change impacts include an increase in the intensity of extreme events such as flooding, wildfires, and drought. It also affects air, water, and soil quality, all of which cause negative effects to the health and well-being of people of color, immigrant communities, and Tribes. Learn more

West Eugene Community Health

West Eugene is a place lacking in community investments and residents breathe in 99% of all industrial air toxics in the Eugene metropolitan area. As part of our Environmental Justice program, Beyond Toxics canvassed vulnerable neighborhoods in West Eugene to collect hundreds of community health surveys. The results show that nearly two-thirds of respondents experience significant impacts from poor air quality and suffer health problems.
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Toxics Right-To-Know

Toxics Right-To-Know is a foundation of true environmental justice. Government transparency and access to information is essential for all communities to arm themselves with facts when seeking protections from poorly regulated and harmful industrial, forestry and agricultural practices. Learn more