A staggering 47 million Americans are unknowingly at risk of health hazards due to their proximity to fossil fuel infrastructure, according's to a groundbreaking study. But it's not just about the iconic oil rigs and billowing power plants; there's a hidden network of facilities that contribute to this issue.
Fossil fuel production involves a five-stage journey, and the study focuses on the often-overlooked mid-supply chain steps. These include refining, storage, and transportation, which occur in a vast network spanning the US. The research reveals that approximately 46.6 million people, or 14.1% of the contiguous US population, live within a mile of at least one fossil fuel infrastructure site.
Here's where it gets concerning: while research has linked proximity to extraction and end-use facilities with adverse health outcomes, such as lower birth weights and asthma, the health effects of living near mid-supply chain infrastructure are less understood. And this is the part most people miss—harmful pollutants like volatile organic compounds have been detected near these facilities.
The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, is a wake-up call. It highlights the need to better understand the hazards and potential exposure of these mid-supply chain facilities. Jonathan Buonocore, the lead author, emphasizes the importance of this research in identifying the stressors on communities.
Breaking down the numbers, the study found that 21 million Americans live near end-use facilities, and 20 million near extraction sites. Storage facilities have over 6 million residents nearby, while refining and transportation sites have fewer. Interestingly, 9 million Americans live near multiple types of infrastructure.
Mary Willis, the senior author, points out the potential for air pollution at each stage, from consistent emissions to gas leaks and blowouts. Yet, the study reveals an environmental injustice: predominantly non-white groups and urban populations are disproportionately exposed to these hazards.
The research also provides valuable insights for policymakers. For instance, storage infrastructure in urban areas may have a more significant impact on residents than extraction sites in rural areas. By identifying these inequities, the study can guide future energy infrastructure planning.
This study is made possible by the first-of-its-kind Energy Infrastructure Exposure Intensity and Equity Indices (EI3) Database, which compiles previously scattered data. The researchers emphasize the significant knowledge gaps in understanding health impacts and exposure across the supply chain. They encourage further research to monitor pollution and explore health effects, especially for unique populations.
The findings raise important questions: How can we balance energy needs with community health? What steps should policymakers take to address these environmental injustices? The study invites discussion and further exploration of these critical issues.
