California Updates Pollution Mapping Tool to Identify Communities Most at Risk

March 31, 2026

California has released a draft of CalEnviroScreen 5. 0, an enhanced pollution tracking map that identifies communities facing disproportionate environmental health burdens by combining pollution, health, and socioeconomic data. The updated version adds two new indicators: small air toxic sites like oil wells and dry cleaners, and diabetes prevalence, which increases vulnerability to pollution-related illnesses.

Who is affected

Low-income communities and communities of color in California
Native Americans (highest diabetes prevalence at 15%)
Pacific Islanders, South Asians, Filipinos, and African Americans
Residents living in the Central Valley, South Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Richmond, and southern regions of Oakland and San Francisco
Communities near freeways, refineries, warehouses, oil wells, and other pollution sources
Children experiencing respiratory problems and asthma
Pregnant individuals facing pregnancy complications
Government agencies, community organizations, and researchers using the tool
Eight community organizations that collaborated on development (California Environmental Justice Alliance, Comité Cívico del Valle, Communities for a Better Environment, Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles, and others)

What action is being taken

CalEnviroScreen 5.0 is currently available in draft form for public comment
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment is collecting public comments through April 1
The state Environmental Protection Agency is using the map to direct cleanup funds to disadvantaged communities (over $9 billion since the program started)

Why it matters

CalEnviroScreen validates the lived experiences of communities that have faced pollution burdens for decades and provides data-driven evidence where it was previously lacking. The tool functions as an early warning system that shifts the approach from evaluating single pollutants or facilities in isolation to assessing cumulative environmental impacts on communities. It has proven instrumental in directing billions in cleanup funding to the most affected areas and empowering community organizations to advocate for environmental justice, as demonstrated by the historic $550 million Chevron settlement. By combining 23 indicators across environmental, health, and socioeconomic factors, it helps agencies develop comprehensive solutions while giving communities concrete data to support their demands for systemic change in land use and permitting decisions.

What's next

The final version of CalEnviroScreen 5.0 will be released later this year
Public comment period continues through April 1

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint