AI and Environmental Fairness

Can AI and machine learning help prevent unfair pollution affecting poorer communities? The Scientists at RegLab and the EPA think so! They are using algorithms to sort through the vast amount of permits in order to find the groups that are offending the EPA initiative. Since each state has different permit policies, this would be an impossible task without AI. Instead of focusing only on pollution discharges exceeding the limit, this algorithm has been focused on the amount of noncompliance. They say this will benefit more poorer areas in the city, instead of being hit harder, they hit the groups that are not making any efforts. This will help fight against the existing discrepancies that target poor minorities living in cities.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210308134043.htm