At the NAACP Spokane Environmental Justice Committee, we see firsthand how environmental hazards disproportionately impact Black, Brown, and frontline communities in Spokane. As the NAACP states, “Environmental injustice is the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on people of color.” Our communities are exposed to higher levels of air and water pollution, industrial waste, and toxic chemicals, yet reporting these violations remains frustratingly difficult due to a fragmented system.
The Reporting Barrier
Washington lacks a centralized system for reporting environmental violations, making it challenging for us to seek accountability. Different agencies oversee different issues–air pollution falls under the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, while water contamination is handled by the Washington State Department of Ecology. This bureaucratic maze discourages us from reporting violations and allows injustices to persist.
Our communities already face systemic barriers such as language access, economic instability, and historical disinvestment. The added complexity of reporting violations further silences those of us most impacted. As the NAACP emphasizes, “Communities of color must be equipped with the tools to fight for their right to a clean and healthy environment.” Without a clear, accessible reporting system, many environmental violations in Spokane remain unaddressed.
Environmental Injustice in Spokane (and also statewide)
We know from experience that Black and Brown communities in Spokane suffer the brunt of environmental degradation. Front & Centered (frontandcentered.org) published a recent report highlighting these key concerns:
Air Quality: Historically redlined neighborhoods experience worse air quality due to their proximity to industrial zones and highways, leading to higher asthma rates, particularly among our children.
Water Contamination: Low-income areas in Spokane are more likely to experience lead exposure, PFAS contamination, and unsafe drinking water, increasing health risks for our families.
Hazardous Waste Sites: Spokane has multiple brownfield sites–land contaminated by industrial waste–that pose serious health risks and limit economic opportunities in our neighborhoods.
A Game-Changer: A Statewide Reporting Tool
To achieve environmental justice, Washington must implement a statewide environmental violation reporting tool. Such a system would:
Increase Accessibility: A multilingual, user-friendly platform would empower our communities to report violations easily.
Improve Accountability: A centralized system would ensure that complaints reach the correct agencies and are addressed efficiently.
Enhance Data Collection: A unified system would help identify environmental injustice patterns and guide policy changes.
Protect Public Health: Timely responses to violations would reduce our exposure to pollutants and improve health outcomes.
Community Action & the Path Forward
We, along with other grassroots organizations and community leaders in Spokane, are pushing for systemic change. The Front & Centered report (lnkd.in/gtfNYzgJ) underscores the urgency of implementing this tool to advance equity and public health statewide.
Our Environmental Justice Committee has also been fostering dialogue through our Eco-Anxiety Cafes, which have hosted six sessions to date, providing a space for community members to process their concerns and seek solutions. These gatherings continue to grow, with many organizations joining in to support these critical conversations.
Additionally, April is Earth Month, and there are numerous community-led events to commemorate Earth Day, including the Spokane River Clean-Up and Tree Plantings with The Lands Council – if you are looking for something to do with your family, consider volunteering at these events. These efforts not only restore our natural environment but also help build community resilience against climate change and pollution.
Now is the time for Washington policymakers to act. Our frontline communities deserve better, and a streamlined reporting system can help us ensure environmental justice for all.