Framing Environmental Health Decision-Making: The Struggle over Cumulative Impacts Policy

by: Devon Payne-Sturges, Thurka Sangaramoorthy, and Helen Mittmann

Little progress has been made to advance U.S. federal policy responses to growing scientific findings about cumulative environmental health impacts and risks, which also show that many low-income and historically marginalized populations bear a disproportionate share of multiple environmental burdens.

In response, I have worked closely with Dr. Thurka Sangaramoorthy, professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at American University, to examine how cumulative risks and impacts are conceptualized and understood among various stakeholders, how evidence is discussed, and how these considerations can be transformed into policy. Together with graduate student Helen Mittmann, we examined the social context of policy challenges related to cumulative risks and impacts in Maryland between 2014 and 2016. 

Our study found that policy gridlock over environmental health risks in Maryland is largely shaped by how key decision-makers frame the issues rather than a lack of data or tools. The research highlights three key areas of conflict—evidence, social justice, and expectations of authority—that influence the slow progress in addressing cumulative environmental impacts, especially for marginalized communities.

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Payne-Sturges, Devon C et al. “Framing Environmental Health Decision-Making: The Struggle over Cumulative Impacts Policy.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,8 3947. 9 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18083947