California's Pollution Cleanup Tool Under Fire

California is refining CalEnviroScreen, its system for directing cleanup funds to the most affected communities. This fifth update introduces new indicators, including diabetes prevalence and small air toxic sites, reflecting a commitment to better assessing pollution's impact.

The state agency has collaborated with community organizations on this iteration. Additional data improvements, such as children's lead levels, are also incorporated into the tool's 21 existing indicators.

Since 2015, disadvantaged communities have received at least $5.8 billion through this system. Officials anticipate a final version of the updated tool this summer after public consultations.

However, environmental advocates point to persistent data gaps, suggesting metrics like tree canopy coverage and wildfire smoke data should be included. Researchers have also raised concerns that the tool's design might inadvertently exclude certain communities, potentially affecting billions in funding.

While state officials defend the tool's accuracy and generalizability, advocates stress the importance of aggressive implementation. They argue that the tool, initially a product of environmental justice advocacy, should be more actively used to deny permits to polluters, citing New Jersey's stricter approach as a model.

Future versions are planned to incorporate climate data and information on "pollution magnets" like warehouses, demonstrating an ongoing effort to enhance the system's scope and effectiveness.