| This dissertation examines the environmental justice issues that are manifest in the metropolitan Phoenix area. In addition, several key terminologies used in environmental justice studies are defined, discussed, and clarified to better understand the underlying issues in the environmental justice arena.;The 2000 census data, along with the Maricopa County emissions data, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hazardous waste generator data, City of Phoenix amenities data, and crime statistics are used to analyze the relationship between environmental injustice and other social inequalities. The study is conducted at the zip code level to establish the relationship between poverty and crime rates, poor quality housing, pollution, failing schools, and other factors.;This comparative study demonstrates the relationship between poverty and environmental justice issues. Further, it suggests that in an area where social inequalities are present, it is more than likely that environmental justice issues manifest as well. Conversely, this study found evidence that environmental justice issues are less likely to manifest in areas where there are not many social inequalities, as measured by the indicators.;This research confirms the findings of earlier researchers of environmental justice in metropolitan Phoenix. It adds rigor to the environmental justice concepts and attempts to remove some of the confusion in the terminologies that are used. Additionally, it provides a structure to clarify the essential components of this field of study. Results are discussed with recommendations for not only further study, but also for policy makers as well. Suggestions for a better siting process of environmentally polluting industries are offered along with policy consideration for town planning processes.;The findings of this study confirm the earlier studies' findings on the presence of environmental justice issues in metropolitan Phoenix. It also suggests that poverty and race can be predictors of the manifestation of environmental justice issues, and in this particular study it was not possible to determine which was the better predictor. |
