Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson says City of Memphis air quality report “propaganda” – localmemphis.com

Report on Air Quality Concerns in Memphis: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson has publicly criticized the recent air quality report released by the City of Memphis, describing it as misleading and disrespectful to residents of historically overburdened communities such as Boxtown. This report highlights critical issues related to environmental justice and public health, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Summary of the City of Memphis Air Quality Report

1. An independent third party conducted air quality measurements at multiple sites in Downtown Memphis, Boxtown, and Whitehaven on June 13 and 16.
2. According to city officials, pollutant levels were either undetectable or well below federal safety thresholds, except for one elevated reading near City Hall.
3. The report did not include measurements of ozone, a significant pollutant in the region.

Criticism of the Air Quality Report

• Discrepancy with Residents’ Experiences: Representative Pearson emphasized that the study fails to reflect the lived experiences of residents who face serious health risks due to air pollution.
• Exclusion of Ozone Measurements: The omission of ozone, a persistent pollutant, undermines the comprehensiveness of the report.
• Insufficient Monitoring Infrastructure: Shelby County has only three Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring stations, none located in South Memphis, limiting accurate assessment of pollution in vulnerable communities.
• Concerns Over Monitoring Locations: The placement of monitors appears inadequate to capture true pollution levels, suggesting a lack of genuine intent to monitor environmental hazards effectively.

Community Perspectives and Environmental Justice

Longtime Boxtown resident Batsell Booker corroborated Representative Pearson’s concerns, highlighting the ongoing environmental stress caused by nearby industrial facilities such as the Valero Memphis Refinery and xAI. Key points include:

• Residents frequently experience strong gas odors, sometimes severe enough to prevent outdoor activities.
• Invisible pollutants pose continuous health risks that are not captured by short-term studies.
• Calls for a fair and comprehensive assessment of air quality in Southwest Memphis to ensure community safety and well-being.
• Criticism of local leadership for failing to protect constituents’ health and safety, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Use of Public Funds and Demand for Transparency

• Representative Pearson criticized the use of taxpayer dollars to fund what he describes as a politically motivated study rather than a genuine environmental health initiative.
• The 12-hour duration of the study and the strategic placement of monitors are seen as insufficient to provide an accurate assessment of pollution levels.
• Residents and environmental advocates continue to demand rigorous, long-term air quality testing and improvements to protect public health.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing air pollution is critical to reducing respiratory illnesses and premature deaths in vulnerable communities.
   • Ensuring accurate monitoring supports effective public health interventions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Promoting equitable environmental conditions in urban areas like Memphis enhances quality of life for all residents.
   • Community engagement and transparent governance are essential for sustainable urban development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing pollutants such as ozone contributes to climate mitigation efforts.
   • Comprehensive environmental monitoring supports informed policy-making to combat climate change impacts.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the City of Memphis air quality report underscores the urgent need for transparent, inclusive, and scientifically robust environmental assessments. Addressing these concerns aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals and is vital for safeguarding the health and well-being of Memphis residents, particularly those in historically marginalized communities. Continued advocacy and policy action are necessary to ensure environmental justice and sustainable urban development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses health impacts due to air pollution affecting residents’ lives and well-being in South Memphis.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Concerns about air quality and environmental stress in urban neighborhoods like Boxtown relate to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Issues of air pollution and monitoring relate to combating climate change and its impacts.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Calls for transparency, credible governance, and accountability in environmental reporting and public health protection.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, including monitoring and reporting on pollution levels.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Air Quality Monitoring Indicators
   • Levels of pollutants measured at various sites (e.g., Downtown Memphis, Boxtown, Whitehaven) including ozone and other pollutants.
   • Number and location of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring stations in Shelby County and their coverage of affected communities.
   • Frequency and duration of air quality measurements (the article criticizes the short two-day study).
2. Health Impact Indicators
   • Incidence of health issues or mortality related to air pollution in affected communities.
3. Governance and Transparency Indicators
   • Public availability and credibility of environmental reports and studies.
   • Community engagement and responsiveness of local government to environmental health concerns.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: localmemphis.com