This content discusses the role of environmental justice (EJ) in South Carolina, particularly focusing on the nomination of Myra Reece as the head of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). It also critiques the funding and implementation of EJ policies under the Biden-Harris Administration, as expressed by incoming EPA Administrator Lee Zelden.
1. Criticism of Environmental Justice Spending:
• Lee Zelden, the new EPA Administrator, criticized spending on environmental justice initiatives, calling it wasteful and favoring cronies and activist groups.
• He cited programs established by the Biden-Harris Administration which allocated significant funds for marginalized communities.
2. Myra Reece’s Background:
• Myra Reece has worked with SC DHEC/SCDES since 1991 and was recently nominated as the permanent head of SCDES.
• As director of Environmental Affairs, she led the state's EJ initiatives and has been recognized nationally for her leadership in environmental justice.
3. National and State Environmental Justice Initiatives:
• The Environmental Council of States (ECOS), which Reece is involved with, aims to align closely with federal EPA initiatives and integrate EJ into state practices.
• ECOS's strategic plan emphasizes working with the EPA to ensure EJ considerations are part of standard operations.
4. Historical Context of Environmental Justice in South Carolina:
• South Carolina has a history of forming advisory committees and programs aimed at addressing environmental justice, beginning with the establishment of the S. C. Environmental Justice Advisory Committee in 2007.
• The EPA's 2008 Environmental Justice Achievement Award was given to SC DHEC for its efforts in promoting environmental justice in the state.
5. Community and Activism:
• The ReGenesis organization is highlighted as a successful model for community activism, aimed at integrating racial equity into public policy.
• The document notes the relation between environmental policy, racial equity, and how they are framed as social justice issues.
6. Federal Initiatives and Local Impacts:
• The Justice40 initiative aims to allocate climate-related resources to disadvantaged communities, linking environmental justice and energy justice.
• The SCDES recently announced new programs, such as EJ Strong PREP, to prepare communities for environmental impacts and empower local residents.
Environmental justice is a significant focus in South Carolina, with ongoing initiatives led by figures like Myra Reece, though facing skepticism over their funding and true impact. The discourse on equity policies reflects a broader trend of integrating social justice into governmental planning, while criticisms like those from Lee Zelden highlight concerns over how these funds are managed and who ultimately benefits. The landscape of environmental justice in South Carolina is marked by both historical efforts and contemporary challenges that warrant careful observation from taxpayers and policymakers alike.
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