This web article explores the impact of the federal government's decision to shut down the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Justice Screen and Mapping tool (EJScreen) following an executive order signed by President Trump. The story follows Ava Elizarraz, a Houston mother, who relied on the EJScreen to make informed decisions about her family's health and safety, such as finding neighborhoods with cleaner air and fewer environmental hazards. With the tool's discontinuation, Elizarraz faces challenges in accessing reliable environmental data. The article also highlights the efforts of the Public Environmental Data Partners, a coalition dedicated to preserving public access to federal environmental data, as they work to fill the gap left by the EJScreen's removal.

HOUSTON – Neighbors and city of Houston officials claim Soto Ready Mix is the source of serious environmental and health issues in Acres Homes. Residents said they are being backed by major political players as they work to stop the planned expansion of the concrete company. Soto Ready Mix sits on the corner of T.C. “The disrespect and the arrogance of facilities of this kind being situated in the neighborhood are unacceptable in the city of Houston,” Turner said. The owner of Soto Ready Mix did not respond to KPRC’s request for comment.