Political and public policy remedies for hazardous conditions and disaster prevention

Management

Unequal Share of Hazards

This is an especially contentious issue, and has been played out repeatedly in communities around the nation. Historically, the poorer area residents cannot afford representation to fight the siting of hazardous land use sites in their areas. They do not have the money to hire a lawyer or fight the government "system." Publicly, no sane politician would admit that hazardous sites are often places in the areas of least resistance, but politically, it makes sense, because they know the people cannot fight back and they know they may face opposition, but few legal ramifications. Public policy should include policies that protect these people from hazardous sitings in their areas, but realistically, that is not always going to happen.

Local governments must be more responsible to their citizens, no matter where they live or what their incomes are, but they should also be morally and ethically aware. If they would not want to live next door to a hazardous site, then they should not force it into a neighborhood where others are going to have live next door to it.

There should be responsible planning and management to ensure the rights of all, and there should be planned areas where hazardous and other undesirable sites are located, away from populated areas. This is the responsibility of the government, who must create tighter regulations regarding these types of facilities. In addition, if a site is a known hazardous site, then building of a new community near the site also should not be allowed. Government planning and policy is a key to making sure the poor do not bear the brunt of hazardous disasters. They should not change zoning or other requirements after the fact to allow development near areas that could be potentially dangerous. If they allow these types of developments, they are ultimately responsible for any deaths or damages that occur if an accident occurs. Public policy need to recognize the dangers of hazardous sites and stop forcing them in areas where they are not wanted.