Abstract
Community science holds significant promise for empowering communities to address air quality disparities and advocate for policy change. However, the usability and legal defensibility of community-collected data pose significant challenges. This article argues that with the help of low-cost tools such as air quality monitors, community members can take an active role in combating the disproportionate distribution of air pollutants hidden by our current regulatory scheme. By examining the regulatory frameworks under the Clean Air Act and opportunities for procedural justice at federal, state, and local levels, the article identifies pathways for incorporating community-collected data into air quality regulation and environmental justice initiatives. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between community scientists, regulatory agencies, and local governments to develop and implement quality assurance protocols that ensure the credibility and effectiveness of community-led air quality monitoring efforts. Through proactive engagement and adherence to quality assurance standards, community science can emerge as a powerful tool for advancing environmental justice and promoting healthier, more equitable communities.
Recommended Citation
Marley Manjarrez,
From Community Science to Community Justice: Protecting Data Usability in Community Air Quality Monitoring Networks,
27
Rich. Pub. Int. L. Rev.
125
(2024).
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/pilr/vol27/iss3/6