This project was first concieved as an environmental injustice case study in keeping with the 10-question analytic framework that we used in teaching UCI Anthro 25A, Environmental Injustice; this, in turn, led to the development of the EiJ Global Record Project, partly to create content for next generation teaching about environmental injustice, working through the Beyond Environmental Injustice Research and Teaching Collective.
In fall 2022, we recieved funding to be part of an interdisciplinary project (led by air chemists) to understand “beyond-the-tailpipe” pollution (particles and gasses from tires and brakes) that will persist after vehicles are electrified. The project involves extensive collaboration with MPNA-GREEN, a community-based environmental justice organization in Santa Ana, where the field studies will be carried out. The project builds on prior work by anthropologist Katie Cox that focused on MPNA’s launch of a community air monitoring network (Cox 2021). Cox is now a postdoc with the project; many students are also involved in the project. Below is is how we articulate our research aims for the CA Dept of Justice funded project focused on beyond-the-tailpipe emissions. In the process of the work, new questions have emerged about how university researchers can help build capacity within locally-based, place-focused environmental justice organzations.
