Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All
Headline: Agencies Required to Prioritize Environmental Justice Across Federal Programs
What it does: Agencies must integrate environmental justice into their missions, submit Environmental Justice Strategic Plans within 18 months, and address disproportionate harms to affected communities.
- Requires public meetings within 6 weeks after certain toxic chemical releases.
- Mandates agency Environmental Justice Strategic Plans and later effectiveness assessments.
- Creates White House Office and a public online clearinghouse on environmental justice.
Summary
This order directs federal agencies to make environmental justice part of their mission, identify and address disproportionate health and environmental harms, and ensure meaningful public participation by affected communities. It requires each agency to publish an Environmental Justice Strategic Plan within 18 months, follow-up assessments, and new reporting and accountability measures.
The order establishes a White House Office of Environmental Justice, expands an interagency council, creates a public clearinghouse, and sets requirements for EPA, OSTP, and the Justice Department to improve data, research, and community notifications. The aim is to protect health and ensure fair access to a healthy environment.
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