Environmental justice at FHWA means identifying and addressing disproportionately high and adverse effects of the agency's programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations to achieve an equitable distribution of benefits and burdens. This includes the full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process.
The FHWA considers EJ in all phases of project development including: planning, environmental review, design, right-of-way, construction, and maintenance and operations. The FHWA also considers EJ in all other programs and activities, such as public involvement, freight planning, safety, Tribal consultation, and the Title VI civil rights program. For more information refer to the FHWA EJ Reference Guide.
