EPA Unveils Plan to Incorporate Environmental Justice in its Policies

Date: September 16, 2011

Source: News Room

The US EPA has released its plan for incorporating environmental justice (EJ) into all aspects of agency decisions, including regulations, permits, policies and other work. The agency's "Plan EJ 2014," released Sept. 14, aims to protect health in communities over-burdened by pollution; empower them to take action to improve their health and environment; and establish partnerships with local, state, tribal and federal organizations to achieve healthy and sustainable communities, EPA says. EPA notes the plan is not a rule or regulation but "a strategy to help integrate environmental justice into EPA's day to day activities." Its origin is Executive Order 12898, the 1994 Clinton-era document elevating EJ in decisions. Plan EJ 2014 cites Jackson's 2010 decision to make equity a priority, including overhauling the office that handles Civil Rights Act complaints. "This priority recognizes that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and EPA's civil rights program is a critical component in advancing environmental justice," the plan's executive summary says. Under permitting, Plan EJ 2014 says EPA will develop and implement tools to enhance participation by overburdened communities.

To learn more, visit: www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/plan-ej/.

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