The Philadelphia Inquirer published an op-ed by Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) addressing issues of environmental racism in low-income communities including the Nicetown, Germantown and lower East Falls neighborhoods. Councilwoman Bass is calling on SEPTA to halt their Nicetown gas plant until a study is conducted that will assess the impacts of air pollution produced by the plant on the health of neighborhood residents.
Part of the piece reads:
“SEPTA says this natural gas plant will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but I ask, for what populations? Vulnerable communities should not be sacrificed for the good of suburban residents and higher-income Philadelphians. SEPTA is tone deaf; as it moves its entire fleet towards electric, hybrid, and environmentally friendly power sources, its history of neglect of this community and the existing Midvale facility continues.
Environmental racism is real. Environmental health impacts and disparities like asthma, respiratory disease, and brain disease are real. Our residents, our seniors, and our children are suffering.”
Read the full text of the opinion piece here.
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Councilwoman Cindy Bass represents the 8th Council District, which includes Germantown, Mt. Airy, Nicetown, Tioga, Chestnut Hill, portions of Logan, and West Oak Lane. She is Chair of Council’s committees on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Public Health and Human Services.
