Analytic+Structures+(Prince)


 * __ANALYTIC STRUCTURES__ Asthmatic Spaces **

Characterizing Asthmatic Spaces

__Knoxville__: The region of East Tennessee consists of a valley surrounded by mountains. It's in a politically conservative environment largely dependent on coal combustion and vehicle usage. The resulting pollution congregates in the valley and triggers asthma symptoms.
 * What are signature characteristics of this area as an asthmatic space? **

__Knoxville__: Federal enforcement of cross-state pollution laws occur despite local political complaints- NC v. TVA, Mitch, CSAIR EPA. Both federal and local governments selectively enforce regulations- Gerdau, TVA 1977, vehicle idling. Is there a record of environmental injustice? Is the area thought of as an asthma hotspot? Who are the stakeholders?
 * What are notable air pollution governance characteristics of this area? **

__Knoxville__: Knoxville frequently ranks in the top 10 for worst cities to live with asthma, taking the number one slot on multiple occasions. For minorities, asthma occurs at higher rates and increased severity. The fly ash from coal combustion was sent to black communities in Georgia and Alabama. Heavy industry is placed adjacent to minority neighborhoods, and poor public transportation encourages poverty and prevents access to natural spaces. Sources suggest a local steel mill was illegally emitting lead adjacent to a community garden near minority houses.
 * What spatial units (cities, counties, provinces, regulatory regions, etc.) are important in this area? **

__Knoxville__: Examination of state reports indicate that most suggestions to reduce pollution occur at the individual level, ignoring large primary sources requiring legislative action. Expansive regulation is replaced by tips such as "clean your car" and "upgrade your light bulbs". . __Knoxville__: East Tennessee is predominately conservative, echoing widespread disdain for public programs- with one exception- Tennessee Valley Authorities. Several local politicians swoon over the federally-owned utility, whereas President Obama (local translation: Kenyan Muslim Socialist etc. etc.) suggested privatization in his FY2014 budget. In addition, popular conservative officials, including then-mayor now-governor Bill Haslam, have worked with Democratic mayor Madeline Rogero to form and fund the Knoxville Office of Sustainability.
 * What examples illustrate the dynamics of environmental health governance in this space? **
 * What other examples of governance in this space point to a signature governance style? **

Accounting for Asthma

__Knoxville__: Asthma and air pollution rates are high but decreasing in the region. [remind me to insert data] The Department of Health and Office of Air Quality Management produce air and asthma data for federal databases, with fairly robust procedures. No citizen science is carried out on a widespread level, but pollen counts are done by the Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center at their different Tennessee offices. WBIR, the local news channel, reports the pollen counts and air quality multiple times daily, in addition to having frequent medical discussions by Dr. Bob, a local allergist/celebrity.
 * How prevalent is asthma, and who is tracking asthma prevalence? **
 * What are the costs of asthma to families affected by asthma, to government, to businesses (in lost work days, for example)? **
 * Who is producing this information? **
 * How has asthma been covered by local media? Where have causes of and responsibility for asthma incidence been placed? What interventions have been highlighted? **

__Knoxville__: American Lung Association, Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), National Parks Conservation Association
 * What kinds of civic organizations (environmental groups, caregivers groups) are involved in asthma surveillance and care? **

__Knoxville__: Consult the STAT Plan to Reduce Asthma in Tennessee, the Burden of Asthma in Tennessee, and 1995 GAO Report on Air Pollution in the Great Smokey Mountains.
 * What kind of research has been done on environmental health issues in this area, and what are the findings? **

**How have global concerns about environmental equity and health disparities shaped local research, and the use of research in governance?** __Knoxville__: Yes and no. The Office of Sustainability has made great strides in reducing air pollution in the area, but it accomplished this by not mentioning climate change and environmental equity. Local bipartisanship required all but ignoring polarizing topics in the pursuit of sustainable development, green jobs, energy efficiency and the like.


 * How has science relevant to environmental public health moved into law and policy? **

__Knoxville__: Same as above.

__Knoxville__: Similar as above answers. Local studies to combat pollution take into consideration the attachment local citizens have to their vehicles, fossil fuels, and freedoms. Much of the air improvements are results of federal regulation, cross-state lawsuits, and other mandatory orders.
 * What has shaped scientific practices and culture in this space? Have scientific practices and culture shifted in recent decades? **

__Knoxville__: For air quality measurements, significant disparities and tensions exist between federal, state, and local agencies. Local air labs sent filters to state labs where they were incorrectly measured. The federal government (EPA) ordered them to reject the data but they did not. So the EPA did it for them, and Knoxville did not achieve attainment status for air quality.
 * What hierarchies have emerged between different research communities and the modes of evidence they produce, what accounts for these hierarchies, and how does it impact the use of science in governance? **