Energy Burden in Disadvantaged Communities in Los Angeles County
Topics: Energy
, Human-Environment Geography
, Geopolitics
Keywords: Energy Burden, Energy, Los Angeles County, Redlining, Disadvantaged Communities, Health
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 18
Authors:
Alex (Adriana) E Perez, Department of Earth Science and Geography, California State University Dominguez Hills
Parveen Chhetri, Department of Earth Science and Geography, California State University Dominguez Hills
Tara Jones, Department of Earth Science and Geography, California State University Dominguez Hills
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Abstract
While many studies have focused on energy burdens/poverty/insecurity/access across the United States, few have focused on Los Angeles (LA) County. This lack of case studies is important because LA County services such a large population (~10 million). The energy infrastructure and the distribution of services are adapting to the demand for alternative forms of energy, such as photovoltaic (PV) technology (solar power), as a response to climate change and the ever-increasing demand for energy in our day-to-day lives. To understand the energy burden in LA County, this study aims to outline the historical burden of energy affordability and reliability that disadvantaged communities (DACs), are facing as a result of unreliable energy distribution. A large proportion of the LA County population is classified as DACs. Understanding the current services available, along with the current distribution of these services, is critical to ensure that future policies and the development in these communities are arranged equitably. Specifically, we intend to examine any correlation between the communities deemed hazardous by Homeowners Loan Corporation (HOLC) redlining policies and the current spatial distribution of DACs. Using the HOLC map of 1933, we are able to understand the present-day impacts that historical policies, such as redlining, have had on DACs. By analyzing the HOLC maps and cross-referencing this with the CalEnviroScreen Cumulative Impact Score data, created by California’s Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), we are able to understand the spatial relationship between present-day underfunded communities throughout Los Angeles County and those in the 1930s.
Energy Burden in Disadvantaged Communities in Los Angeles County
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract
Description
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