Environmental justice rises as a policy priority
Environmental Protection Agency Administator Lisa P. Jackson led the effort to reconvene the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice in 2010.
“We have begun a new era of outreach and protection for communities historically underrepresented in EPA decision-making,” said Jackson in a memo to EPA staff.
“We are building strong working relationships with tribes, communities of color, economically distressed cities and towns, young people and others, but this is just a start. We must include environmental justice principles in all of our decisions.
"This is an area that calls for innovation and bold thinking, and I am challenging all of our employees to bring vision and creativity to our programs. The protection of vulnerable subpopulations is a top priority, especially with regard to children.
"Our revitalized Children’s Health Office is bringing a new energy to safeguarding children through all of our enforcement efforts. We will ensure that children’s health protection continues to guide the path forward.”
In Partnership for Sustainable Communities, EPA, HUD and the Dept. of Transportation coordinate federal housing, transportation, and environmental investments; protects public health and the environment; promotes equitable development; and helps address the challenges of climate change.
