Residents of Chester, Pennsylvania, an "environmental justice community," are demanding action on climate change and pollution as they rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. With a history of disproportionate environmental burdens and economic struggles, residents are seeking support for job training in green industries, improvements in public health, and enhanced city services. However, residents also express disappointment in Pennsylvania Democrats' stance on liquified natural gas (LNG) and fear the potential consequences of a Trump administration.

Chester has been grappling with the impact of heavy industries, such as fracking and fossil fuel operations, for decades. A 1995 EPA study highlighted alarmingly high levels of lead in blood, increased risk of cancer, and a childhood asthma rate 20% higher than the national average. The city's majority Black population has long felt neglected and believes that these polluting industries are intentionally placed in their communities, emphasizing systemic racism.

Once a flourishing industrial hub with steel and textile manufacturing, Chester has faced economic decline since the 1960s due to factory closures. Currently, the city relies heavily on a casino, a trash incinerator, and a sewage incinerator for revenue. The area is crisscrossed with petroleum pipelines and rail lines, while oil refineries and a natural gas storage facility lie just outside city limits. Residents are concerned about the detrimental effects on their health and environment caused by living near these industrial sites.

Historically, Chester has shown strong support for Democratic candidates, with 90% of the votes going to President Biden in the 2020 election. However, voter turnout was low, with just 43% of eligible voters participating. The community hopes that the Biden administration will continue providing federal funding for climate grants, job training, and improvements in public health, education, and city services.

Environmental advocate Zulene Mayfield believes that mobilizing the community is crucial for effecting change. She urges voters to support candidates who align with their goals and advocates for strengthening alliances with sympathetic allies. Mayfield acknowledges that compromise is inevitable in politics and emphasizes the importance of securing supportive leaders into office to address the community's concerns.

For some residents like James Harper Jr., who has a son with asthma, the issue of natural gas is a "catch-22." While jobs are a priority, ensuring the safety of the community and its members is equally important. Harper expresses his desire for alternative industries that do not harm the environment.

Chester residents have expressed disappointment with Pennsylvania Democrats' stance on liquified natural gas. Despite the Biden administration's pause on new LNG terminal approvals, both Democratic U.S. Senators, John Fetterman and Bob Casey, as well as Governor Josh Shapiro, opposed this decision. Concerns over job loss and energy independence were cited as reasons for their opposition. This disagreement has left some residents feeling unheard and contemplating their party loyalty.

In their pursuit of justice, Chester residents are closely monitoring the presidential election. They are concerned that under a Trump administration, funding for disadvantaged communities like theirs, as well as potential millions of dollars in grant money from the Inflation Reduction Act's Justice40 initiative, may be at risk. The city is actively seeking Environmental Protection Agency grant funds to improve children's health, beautify the city, and support residents' vocational training for sustainable jobs.

As the election approaches, residents of Chester are determined to make their voices heard. They believe that their community's future hinges on electing leaders who will prioritize their environmental and economic well-being. The margin of victory in the last two elections in Pennsylvania has been incredibly narrow, making Chester's turnout crucial in determining the outcome. The residents of Chester hope that their unified call for action will bring about tangible change for their city and set a precedent for other environmental justice communities across the nation.