In Administrator Lisa Jackson's memo to EPA employees on January 23, 2009, she reminded us that:
"As we meet these challenges, we must be sensitive to the burdens pollution has placed on vulnerable subpopulations, including children, the elderly, the poor and all others who are at particular risk to threats to health and the environment. We must seek their full partnership in the greater aim of identifying and eliminating the sources of pollution in their neighborhoods, schools and homes."
EPA defines environmental justice (EJ) as 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.
EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) is committed to promoting and supporting EJ, which is an integral part of OAR’s mission. Visit the pages below or the links to the left for more specific information on EJ and air issues:
- Basic Information: General background information about EPA’s EJ Program.
- Where You Live: Explore links that help identify resources and contacts that your community can use.
- OAR’s EJ Program, Objectives, and Accomplishments: Learn more about OAR’s EJ initiatives, policies and action plans.
- Air Program Resources: Explore regulatory tools and programs for protecting your air quality.
- Training: Find links to on-line training and other training resources.
- Grants and Funding: Need funding? Check here for information.
- Community Involvement: Take advantage of EPA’s extensive resources on community involvement.
- EJ Tools: Utilize EJ mapping tools, databases, and other tools to view and gather information about your community, health effects and risk assessements.
- National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC): Learn about the work of this important advisory committee and its recommendations.
- EJAir Publications: Publications related to environmental justice.
- EJ Program Contact Information: Find out who to contact.