Environmental Health and Justice

Environmental health and justice ensures fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This principle addresses disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized and low-income communities, promoting equal protection from hazards like pollution and toxic exposures.

Key Environmental Challenges

Communities often face uneven risks, such as lead poisoning prevention efforts to keep families safe in older housing or legacy contamination from past activities. Federal agencies use tools like the Environmental Justice Index to measure cumulative impacts on health, identifying high-risk areas for targeted action and accountability.

Federal Response and Cleanup

Government initiatives focus on remediation, including cleaning up America’s toxic military legacy at contaminated bases. These efforts restore sites, involve communities in decision-making, and ensure access to healthy environments for living, working, and recreation.