" (Kriesel, 1996 p.1) In the last several years, this debate has brought itself to the forefront regarding environmental debate. (Kriesel, 1996).
Feagin and Echburgs created their own theory in 1980, for the different reasons for discrimination. They drew up a rough draft "for understanding how housing discrimination, redlining, residential segregation, market forces, discretionary practices of federal agencies and local governments, and lack of political and economic power in minority communities." Moreover, how these factors contribute to the inequities of the American Society. (Pinderhughes, 1996 p.2) .
There are also theoretical perspectives to describe an interactive system of institutionalized racism. One perspective emphasizes the idea of links between race and lack of income and the lack of power a minority carries in a white driven society. These three factors may contribute to hazardous industries locating themselves inside these communities. Hazardous sites locate themselves in places that are less likely to put up a fight or to defend themselves. Minority groups are generally less informed and less likely to put up a fight. (Pinderhughes, 1996) .
The National Environmental Policy Act was passed by congress in 1969. "The act says that before any type of operation can go in that may have a negative impact on the environment or on health, a socioeconomic impact assessment must be done." (Motavalli, 1998, p.2) Upon these grounds, a case sprung up in a predominantly black community in Flint, Michigan, when a factory building permit was approved without requiring the company to study the impact upon the environment in which it was entering. The National Environmental Policy Act falls under Title VI, which states, "no federal funds can be used to discriminate against race or color." (Motavalli, 1998 p.2).
Once a plant comes into a community it is much easier for other plants to also settle themselves into it.
