Summary of the Article: Fossil Fuel Infrastructure and Public health
This article details a new study utilizing a novel national database (EI3) to map the proximity of fossil fuel infrastructure – including extraction sites (wells), processing/refining, transportation, and storage – to populations across the United States. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings and implications:
Key Findings:
* Significant Population Exposure: Over 15 million people live within a mile of fossil fuel extraction sites,and over 6 million live near storage facilities. approximately 9 million people are exposed to multiple types of infrastructure.
* Environmental Inequities: Communities of color experience disproportionately higher exposure to fossil fuel infrastructure across all stages of the supply chain.
* Urban Concentration: The vast majority (almost 90%) of people living near end-use, transportation, refining, and storage sites reside in urban areas.
* Storage Facilities Pose Concentrated Risk: Storage facilities, though fewer in number, have a much higher average population density within a mile (2,900 residents) compared to extraction sites (17 residents). This suggests focusing on storage facilities could yield the greatest impact in reducing exposure.
* Data Gap: The study highlights a significant lack of understanding regarding the specific hazards associated with different infrastructure types and their resulting health impacts.
Significance & Implications:
* New Resource for Research: The EI3 database is a groundbreaking tool, consolidating previously fragmented data on fossil fuel infrastructure, making it accessible for public health research.
* Informed Policymaking: The research provides valuable data to guide local and national policies aimed at reducing exposure to fossil fuel pollution and protecting public health. Specifically, focusing on storage facilities in urban areas could be a strategic starting point.
* Future Research Directions: The study calls for further research to characterize the hazards associated with each infrastructure type, monitor pollution levels, and investigate health outcomes using datasets like medicaid records and information on vulnerable populations.
* Integrated System Approach: The study represents a shift towards understanding the entire fossil fuel supply chain as an integrated system, allowing for more comprehensive assessment of health risks.
In essence, the study underscores the need for greater awareness and regulation of fossil fuel infrastructure proximity to communities, particularly those already facing environmental justice concerns. The EI3 database provides a crucial foundation for future research and policy development in this critical area.