Aurora's East Colfax: A Test Case for Environmental Fairness

In a move to tackle environmental injustice, Colorado is putting a spotlight on Aurora's East Colfax neighborhood. This area will be the first in the state to undergo a detailed study on how pollution, scorching heat, and other environmental factors are affecting the health and daily lives of its residents. The state's health department has teamed up with a local nonprofit, Black Parents United Foundation, to dive deep into the issues. They'll be gathering data and talking to locals to understand the challenges they face. The nonprofit will get $125, 000 for their efforts, while a separate researcher will receive up to $900, 000 to conduct the study and put together a report. This isn't just about collecting data; it's about making a difference. The findings will guide future decisions on permits, planning, and public health. For years, there's been a standoff between regulators, businesses, environmentalists, and residents over how to define and measure the combined effects of pollution and other environmental stressors.Residents of polluted areas often argue that a mix of factors—like toxic chemicals, heavy traffic, extreme heat, and limited healthcare—can worsen health problems. These neighborhoods are often home to Latino, Indigenous, and Black communities, who earn less than the state average. East Colfax fits this profile, according to Meghan Guevara, director of the Office of Environmental Justice. Policymakers usually tackle one issue at a time, but this study aims to look at the bigger picture. It's about understanding how all these factors work together to affect people's health. This analysis is part of a 2024 law that requires the state to address cumulative impacts and environmental justice.