An Analysis of the “Path of Least Resistance” Argument in Three Environmental Justice Success Cases

Abstract

Research suggests that environmental hazards tend to be disproportionately sited in poor and minority neighborhoods. Recent findings indicate that the greatest environmental inequalities may have been related to the 1970s “not in my backyard” movement and the “path of least resistance.” The purpose of this research is to expand upon the “path of least resistance” perspective by looking at three environmental justice success cases. In each case community-based environmental justice groups were able to stop the siting of an industrial facility. We find that in one case the company never again attempted to build the facility and waste materials were sent to an alternative location. In the other two cases the companies were able to construct similar facilities in different communities. While the demographic characteristics of the failed and successful sitings were similar, there is still some evidence that industry production practices change as a result of these environmental justice social movements.