How Biden’s infrastructure plan created a ‘climate time bomb’ in Black neighborhoods

This story was first published by Capital B. Almost half a century ago, the Acres Homes area in Houston was the largest unincorporated Black community in the South. The city annexed it and built Interstate 45, leading to increased poverty and health issues due to pollution. President Biden’s infrastructure law aimed to address historical injustices but, according to a report by Transportation for America, it is exacerbating pollution and displacing Black communities. The law allocated a substantial amount of funds to highway expansion, perpetuating the cycle of harm. Despite recent efforts to reconnect and rebuild communities affected by highways, the focus remains largely on road expansion rather than public transit. This trend is disrupting Black communities and exacerbating climate concerns. It is crucial for policymakers to listen to diverse voices in impacted communities when planning transportation projects to avoid repeating past mistakes.