The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking input from the public to help draft an “Environmental Justice Strategic Plan” that will outline the department’s vision, goals, and priorities for advancing environmental justice. The DOJ defines environmental justice as “the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability in agency decision-making and other Federal activities.”
Members of the public are encouraged to share their thoughts on additional goals and objectives for the environmental justice program, as well as ways the department can enhance its outreach and engagement efforts with communities regarding environmental justice.
The DOJ has identified four draft goals for the plan, which include prioritizing cases to reduce public health and environmental harms, utilizing legal tools strategically, engaging with impacted communities, and increasing education and collaboration both within and outside the department.
Furthermore, the department is seeking feedback on the information and resources it should provide to communities, topics for staff training on environmental justice, and organizations to add to its environmental justice mailing lists.
As part of its climate adaptation efforts, the DOJ will assess and evaluate environmental justice, incorporating it into the management and operations of the department.
An executive order issued by President Biden in April 2023 mandates the DOJ to publish a plan to address and advance environmental justice by October 2024, with subsequent plans required every four years thereafter. The order aims to advance environmental justice through the enforcement of environmental and civil rights laws, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation.
Communities with environmental justice concerns often face disparities rooted in historical racial discrimination, segregation, and other discriminatory practices.
Members of the public can provide feedback by completing an electronic survey on the DOJ website or emailing the Office of Environmental Justice. The OEJ, established in 2022, works to protect overburdened and underserved communities from environmental harm.
Individuals can also participate in in-person community listening sessions to contribute to the plan. The deadline for submitting comments is July 22, 2024.
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