Region 1: EPA New England

Environmental Justice Program

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EPA New England is committed to promoting and supporting Environmental Justice. Environmental Justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including any racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies. Meaningful involvement means that: (1) potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health; (2) the public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision; (3) the concerns of all participants involved will be considered in the decision making process; and (4) the decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.

Since EPA New England promulgated its first Environmental Equity Policy in 1993, the region has made significant progress in its efforts to address and respond to EJ issues by making fundamental changes in the way everyday work is carried out. EPA New England’s commitment to EJ is evidenced by the establishment of a regional EJ Council, which is charged with the responsibility of institutionalizing EJ considerations in the environmental decisions the agency makes, programs it implements, and projects and initiatives it undertakes. By taking a more proactive approach, the region fosters strong partnerships with New England citizens to identify and resolve many of the environmental concerns that most impact their quality of life and health.