EP 2: PROTECTIONS WITH ABRE’ CONNER
Protections are essential for ensuring laws and policies safeguard both people and the environment.
And under the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, equal protections means fair treatment under the law for everyone—regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
But historically, Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color have faced the brunt of environmental, health, and climate change impacts.
Despite historic advancements in recent years, deregulation efforts threaten to make things even worse for frontline communities that are demanding democracy delivers on its promise.
Guest
Abre’ Conner is the Director, Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP where she oversees strategy and collaboration to dismantle environmental racism.
Key Topics
The intersection of Civil Rights, Environmental Justice, and Democracy
Fighting to strengthen protections that center people, not just the environment
Critical Race Theory
How threats to environmental justice go beyond any one political party or presidency
Potential impacts from the Supreme Court ruling on Chevron Deference
Weakening of protective agencies, like the EPA, through plans like Project 2025
Additional resources
James Baldwin’s 1965 debate at Cambridge University
New episodes every Tuesdsay, starting October 1, 2024.
Tune in and listen wherever you get your podcasts — because the fight for environmental justice is also a fight for democracy itself.
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Credits
People over Plastic is a project of Counterstream Media
Host and Executive Producer: Shilpi Chhotray
Produced by Mindy Ramaker and Dennis Maxwell
Project manager is Vincent Ford
Artwork designed by Ly Ngo Heisig