Class Actions and Environmental Justice: Are Lawsuits Driving Real Change?

Author: Sadie Berg

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Robert Holahan

Easel: 19

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: How effective are class action lawsuits in implementing environmental change? In answering this question through meta-analysis, a focus will be placed on cancer clusters as a general theme. Every year there are several different cases by which plaintiffs attempt to obtain compensation for troubles caused by hazardous chemicals such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to name a few. The formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the early 1970’s, along with the enforcement of protective litigation, were used to put an end to the use of these dangerous chemicals. All of the data collected along with the history, impact, and result of each lawsuit will be analyzed to determine the overall effectiveness of class action lawsuits in implementing changes in environmental policies and practices. Through research, many different class action lawsuits will be compiled in hopes of revealing a commonality amongst them.