The Use of Community-Driven Environmental Decision Making to Address Environmental Justice and Revitalization Issues in a Port Community in South Carolina

摘要

Initiatives whereby community-based organizations, industry, and city officials work together to revitalize communities are invaluable. The Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC), a community-based environmental justice organization comprised of seven economically depressed African-American neighborhoods in North Charleston, SC, convened in response to the planned siting of a new port terminal near their community. Their efforts led to the development and implementation of a Community Mitigation Plan Agreement and Area Revitalization Plan to ensure that local efforts benefit all parties involved. The purpose of this study is to explore LAMC's process to organize; delineate barriers, challenges, and successes; discuss community-driven frameworks that address environmental injustice and socioeconomic disparities. This work could foster public policy on issues impacting other environmental justice communities.