EPA EJ Small Grants Program Request For Applications

On October 28, 2009 the Request For Applications (RFA) was released announcing the availability of funds and solicitation of applications from eligible entities interested in participating the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG), supports and empowers communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues.

This year the program is emphasizing the need to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities with environmental justice concerns. There is a well-established scientific consensus that climate change will cause disproportionate impacts upon vulnerable populations. As stated in the Technical Support Document for the Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act (April 2009), “Within settlements experiencing climate change, certain parts of the population may be especially vulnerable; these include the poor, the elderly, those already in poor health, the disabled, those living alone, those with limited rights and power (such as recent immigrants with limited English skills), and/or indigenous populations dependent on one or a few resources. Thus, the potential impacts of climate change raise environmental justice issues.” The goals of this focus on climate change are to recognize the critical role of grassroots efforts in helping shape strategies to avoid, lessen, or delay the risks and impacts associated with climate change; to decrease the number of under represented communities; and, to ensure equitable green economic development in ways that build healthy sustainable communities.

The EJSG continues to assists recipients in building collaborative partnerships to help them understand and address environmental and public health issues in their communities. Successful collaborative partnerships involve not only well-designed strategic plans to build, maintain and sustain the partnerships, but also to work towards addressing the local environmental and public health issues.

Guidance Document

For questions contact Sheila Lewis

The Association for Environmental Justice in Israel

Letter Regarding Community, Energy & Technology in the Middle East (COMET-ME)

26 October, 2009

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Allowed us to tell you about a unique project that literally does the impossible in the Middle-East perspective: Change the Reality of People. Ours colleagues Elad and Noam, from COMET-ME for the last three years skillfully combined environmental innovation and activism for peace with social and economy welfare development of the most deprived population in the Middle East region - the Palestinians who live at South Hebron area mountain. This project for sure, in the long term, will positively affect the future of one of the most conflicted region historically. On their web site you can find further details and information, including on the technology in use.

Why am I telling you this now?

Comet-ME recently was announced as being one of only 12 finalists world-wide in the BBC World Challenge for 2009. This global competition focuses on grassroots projects and small businesses worldwide that are taking effective, innovative action in environmental and socioeconomic issues. In 13 November, the winning project will receive an award of $20,000. Comet-ME would use this prize to expand its project and to provide sustainable energy to
another community.

How can you help?

The winning project will be determined by online voting between 28 September 2009 and 13 November 2009. Amar and Anuawar, the two boys 5 and 8 years old in the above pictures yesterday were taken, proudly presented us, while visiting their family tent, the light they have for doing School homework, the small refrigerator and mixer that change their mother life, their nutrition and health. The chances to provide assistance in time of emergency, and purely chances for better life. We will be grateful for your time to circulate this message to your lists, post it on web pages and encourage your acquaintances to support COMET-ME in this voting.

Yours Sincerely,
Carmit Lubanov
The Association for Environmental Justice in Israel
don1298@netvision.net.il , Tel: ++972-3-5497064, ++972-52-3554737

Call for Abstracts 2010 Conference on Environmental Justice

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Education and Training Program (WETP), and Dillard University's Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) are hosting the 2010 Conference on Environmental Justice, Air and Green Jobs: Evolution and Innovation being held January 25-27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Thye are issuing this call for abstracts for poster presentations on Environmental Justice by community residents. Abstracts will be accepted October 14, 2009 through November 13, 2009.
Please note that abstracts must be original material and ideas of the authors; abstracts may include work that has been published in journals or for use by the authors and stakeholders. They are particularly encouraging community and Tribal groups to share their experiences and best practices. In addition, abstracts should relate to the conference theme, Environmental Justice, Air & Green Jobs: Evolution and Innovation. In particular, abstracts should address the 4 conference tracks of: Goods Movement, Ambient Air/Climate Change, Hazardous Waste Cleanup Job Training, and Sustainability/Green Jobs. Further instructions on the criteria for submitting the abstracts can be found on the Call for Abstracts website.

Abstracts must be submitted electronically through the abstract submission website.

For more information about the conference, please visit the conference website.

Questions?

For abstract questions, contact Dr. Myra Lewis at Dillard University's Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at 504-816-4036 or Dr. Myra Lewis

For assistance with the abstract submittal form, contact the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training at 202-331-7733 or National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training

CDC National Public Listening Session Set For Oct 28

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is sponsoring a National Conversation: Public Listening Session October 28, 2009 Atlanta, Georgia. Interested members of the public are invited to an open, facilitated discussion to exchange ideas and explore issues related to the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures. Join CDC for a listening session Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Athens Room at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.

Through the National Conversation, many individuals and organizations are helping to develop an action agenda that will outline steps the nation can take to achieve the vision that chemicals be used and managed in ways that are safe and healthy for all people. They look forward to exploring questions like:

How can we best protect all communities from harmful chemical exposure?
How can we gain more knowledge about the health effects of chemicals?
How do we ensure the public is involved in government decision-making?
How do we ensure that the National Conversation is successful?

National Center for Environmental Health/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) staff, RESOLVE (a non-profit organization) staff, and others involved in the National Conversation project will be in attendance to engage in discussion and collect participant input.

This free, public listening session will follow the National Environmental Public Health Conference. While pre-registration is closed for the conference, on-site registration will be available and conference keynote and plenary sessions will be available for free by webcast.

The National Conversation Team

EPA'S A. STANLEY MEIBURG TO KEYNOTE EJ SUMMIT

A. Stanley Meiburg, right, Acting Regional Administrator for EPA will be the Keynote Luncheon speaker for the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 11:30am 1:00pm during the 11th NC Environmental Justice Summit.

Mr. Meiburg brings many years of experience with EPA to this position. He also has a North Carolina connection as he received his B.A. Degree from Wake Forest University.

Others participating from EPA's Region IV Office:

Cynthia Peurifoy: Regional Environmental Justice Program Manager Office of Special Programs

Historic Franklinton Center
Brick, 281 Bricks Lane, Whitakers, NC 27891

Contact: Gary R. Grant Director North Carolina Environmental Justice Network PO BOX 61 Tillery, North Carolina 27887 (252) 826-3017 - (252) 826-3244 Email: NCEJN1@aol.com Web: http://www.ncejn.org/

Dillard University, EPA & NIEHS Sponsor EJ Conference

2010 Conference on Environmental Justice, Air, and Green Jobs: Evolution and Innovation

Who: Communities, tribes, advocates, city/county/state governments, colleges/universities, faith-based organizations, businesses and other stakeholders interested in learning about opportunities to move toward environmental justice in their communities.

Where: New Orleans, LA

Date: January 25-27, 2010

More info: For more information

Contact:

Lena (Vickey) Epps-Price
Workshop Coordinator
Phone:919-541-5573
Email:epps-price.lena@epa.gov

Poster session: The Planning Committee invites abstracts for poster presentations during this conference. A call for abstracts will be posted on the website soon.

TOPICS

This Conference provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the following:

Goods Movement - New initiatives to reduce the impacts of transporting goods or produce.

Sustainability/Green Jobs -sustainability in the context of jobs aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing consumption.

Ambient Air/Climate Change - impacts ofambient air pollutants and greenhouse gases on disproportionatelyaffected communities.

Hazardous Waste Cleanup/ Job Training - impacts and challenges of hazardous materials, waste exposure and cleanup activities.

Sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) and co-sponsored by Dillard University and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Worker Education and Training Program

While making your plans to attend the Environmental Justice Conference, you may want to consider staying in New Orleans for the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) meeting, which will also be held at the same location.

The NEJAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27 through Friday, January 29, 2010.

James Clyburn Environmental Justice Braintrust 2009

The theme of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) 39th Annual Legislative Conference is "Reinvest...Rebuild...Renew," and is being held at the Washington Convention Center from September 23-26.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn, right, hosted an Environmental Justice Braintrust that discussed various energy alternatives, including nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, clean coal, biofuels, and more, in the development of a comprehensive national energy policy that could reduce our dependency on foreign fuel, meet the challenges of climate change, and create new green economies. Congressman Clyburn insists that any comprehensive energy policy must focus on the relationship between these issues and human health.

This year's Braintrust focused on the creation of jobs and business opportunities for minority and small businesses. Representative James E. Clyburn moderated the forum and panelists included: Cynthia V. Anderson, Director EM Recovery Act Program, Office of Environmental Management, U.S. DOE; Jeffrey M. Allison, Manager, Savannah River Operations; Sam W. Artis, CPCM, Director, Small Business Liaison Office, URS Corporation; Bud DeFlaviis, Director, Government Affairs, U.S. Fuel Cell Council; Dennis Fitzgibbons, V.P., Federal Affairs, First Solar; Dave Harden, Director, Energy City, SC; Edward S. Harrbard, Jr., Esq., Director, Government Affairs, Renewable Fuels Association; Charles L. Munns, President & CEO, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC.

Mathy Stanislaus to Environmental Justice Stakeholders‏

Letter from Mathy Stanislaus to Environmental Justice Stakeholders‏

Greetings!

I am Mathy Stanislaus, and President Obama recently appointed me to serve as the Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). I’m writing today to introduce myself and ask for your help, advice, and cooperation in the months ahead. As you know, OSWER has primary responsibility for leading or supporting federal action related to a host of issues crucially important to public health, environmental quality, and future economic growth in the United States. These issues include cleaning up contaminated land, responding to human health and environmental emergencies, and supporting the more efficient use of, recovery, reuse, and/or proper disposal of virtually all materials used in our economy. This is a daunting task, and I am keenly aware of the challenges that it poses to EPA, OSWER, and myself.

In light of the broad scope of my responsibilities, I am inviting you to lend your support as OSWER begins this new era under President Obama. I believe that government works best when it listens carefully to the opinions and criticisms of interested stakeholders, ensures ongoing public participation in government decisions, and learns from successful models. Your organization includes people with a broad range of insights and experience in many of the issues facing us, and I encourage you to use those assets in cooperation with OSWER as we work toward our shared goals. As a first step, I’m inviting you to send me any comments or suggestions you may have for restructuring OSWER programs to provide greater transparency in our decision making and more accessibility to information, especially for vulnerable communities.

How should EPA’s process for developing and issuing policy, rules, or guidance be opened so that we can gain from your experience and insights? How can we develop better strategies for handling waste or cleaning up contaminated sites? How should we enhance or redesign the public processes used at individual cleanup sites so that local communities are more fully informed and consulted?

Furthermore, I intend to use the Internet to expand my interactions with the public. I can be reached by e-mail at aastanislaus@epa.gov. Feel free to use that address to send me your thoughts on OSWER issues. We will also be hosting video town hall meetings so that interested groups across the country can speak directly with me and OSWER experts. In the coming months we will be launching the OSWER discussion forum, an online conversation where EPA officials and the public will be able to post and respond to comments on specific topics. Please participate, because your views will inform my management of OSWER at every step.

I personally intend to meet with as many of you as possible both here at EPA headquarters in Washington, DC, and as I visit EPA’s regional offices around the country.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you may give me in the future. I look forward to meeting you, listening to your views, and – when the occasion requires – working cooperatively with your organization to improve the lives of all Americans.

Sincerely,
Mathy Stanislaus

Comments of Lisa P. Jackson at NEJAC

Administrator Lisa P. Jackson spoke to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crystal City, VA. The Council met July 21-23, 2009, to discuss EPA (NEJAC) priorities related to environmental justice, school air toxics monitoring, recommendations for goods movement impacts on air quality, and other topics.

"The inauguration of the first African American president, and my subsequent confirmation as the first African American Administrator of this Agency, has forever changed the face of environmentalism in this country. I hope it sends a clear signal that environmentalism does not
come in any one shape, size, or look. And if anyone lives out this truth on a daily basis – it’s you.

Environmentalism is not only about protecting wilderness or saving polar ice caps. As important as those things are, environmentalism is also about protecting people in the places where they live, and work, and raise families. It’s about making our urban and suburban neighborhoods safe and clean, about protecting children in their schools, and workers at their jobs."

Full Statement

NEJAC

Video

John Rosenthall Interviews Lisa. P. Jackson

John Rosenthall interviewed EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson on environmental justice issues on July 6, 2009 at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Environmental Justice Vol. 2, No. 2, June 2009: Now Online‏

Environmental JusticeVolume: 2, Number: 2 June 2009 is now available online from Liebert Online

Click on the links below to view the abstract for each article, or click on the link above to read the table of contents online.

If you need any further help, please email the publishers.

Letter from the Editor

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 47. Citation PDF (203 KB) PDF Plus (204 KB)
Original Articles

An Environmental Justice Analysis: Superfund Sites and Surrounding Communities in Illinois

Angela R. Maranville, Tih-Fen Ting, and Yang Zhang

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 49-58. Abstract PDF (17464 KB) PDF Plus (320 KB)

The Relevance of History to Environmental Justice

Michael Egan

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 59-61. Abstract PDF (52 KB) PDF Plus (52 KB)

Equal Rights, Unequal Share: Implementing Judicial Allocation to Indian and Non-Indian Fisheries in Northern Wisconsin

George R. Spangler and Tsegaye H. Nega

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 63-68. Abstract PDF (3728 KB) PDF Plus (152 KB)

Restorative Environmental Justice: Assessing Brownfield Initiatives, Revitalization, and Community Economic Development in St. Petersburg, Florida

Joseph W. Dorsey

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 69-78. Abstract PDF (4787 KB) PDF Plus (282 KB)

Climate Change Policies in Singapore: Whose “Environments” Are We Talking About?

Lim Weida

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 79-83.Abstract PDF (82 KB) PDF Plus (82 KB)

Environmental Injustice in Siting Nuclear Plants

Mary Alldred and Kristin Shrader-Frechette

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 85-96. Abstract PDF (2756 KB) PDF Plus (2757 KB)

Book Review

Inescapable Ecologies: A History of Environment, Disease, and Knowledge

Edward D. Melillo

Environmental Justice June 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2: 97-98. Citation PDF (41 KB) PDF Plus (42 KB)

Grand Opening Session: Moot Court Room, Howard Law

Tim Fields

Former Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response, U.S. EPA

Senior Vice President, MDB, Inc.

Presiders at Double Tree Hotel Luncheon

Panelists: EJ, Climate Change and Clean Coal

Ben Chavis and Avis Robinson

Closing Luncheon

SRS Staff, Jeff Allison, Lessie Price, John Rosenthall, Geraldine Herring, Ben Wilson, Melinda Downing, Gerald Boyd

Kurt L. Schmoke Howard Law Dean Opens Conference

Attendee Letter: State of EJ in America Conference 2009

Dear Melinda [Downing],

It was a pleasure to meet you at the conference and toparticipate in the Mayors Briefing on the ARRA of 2009. I am writing to congratulate you and everyone on your Planning Committee for a successful conference which truly reflects the fact that Environmental Justice is in its second generation of mature dialogue, involvement of abroad spectrum of stakeholders, and tangible progress. As an EPA manager who has been actively involved in integrating EJ issues in EPAprograms under my supervision (and who was tutored and inspired by Tim Fields' leadership when he was at EPA).

I am very impressed by the diversity of issues which have been embraced by the EJ community nd the variety of stakeholders who are now at the table. Clearly, persistence and leadership are creating results. I truly enjoyed the conference and learned a great deal from each of the sessions I attended; I assure you that it is knowledge that will be used. You and your colleagues deserve the kudos and mementos of appreciation you received at the closing plenary session but I know that is not what keeps you motivated!

Finally, as someone who has attended perhaps a couple hundredconferences over the course of my professional life, I do want to note that you created a very friendly atmosphere which, in turn, was very conducive to networking. Please keep me on your mailing list for developments which may be of interest for those of us at EPA.

All best wishes and congratulations,

Maria Vickers

Luke Cole Killed in Car Crash in Uganda

Environmental justice activist Luke Cole, left, was killed in a car accident this week in Uganda. Mr. Cole had taken a sabbatical from the Center for Race, Poverty and the Environment , which he headed, to travel the world.

Cole was well-known for his work on numerous leading environmental justice cases, including as counsel for the Native Village of Kivalina in its case seeking damages from large greenhouse gas emitters from the melting away of their Alaskan village. He was also a prolific writer, and co-authored an influential book with Professor Sheila Foster, "From the Ground Up: Environmental Racism and the Rise ofthe Environmental Justice Movement." He taught courses in Environmental Justice at UC Berkeley, UC Hastings and Stanford Law. Berkeley’s Ecology Law Quarterly honored Luke in 1997 with its Environmental Leadership Award. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, andhis son Zane.

EPA Adminstrator Speaks At EJ in America Conference 2009

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, above, delivered a powerful statement via video to the attendees at The State of Environmental Justice in America Conference 2009.

The administrator received enthusiastic applause after her recorded statement. Administrator Jackson could not attend the conference because she was travelling in the Netherlands and France touring local water and energy projects and addressing global environmental issues.

Her full statement is at the video below.

Third and Final Day of EJ Conference Is Very Successful

The luncheon at the end of the conference was capped off by a video presentation from EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. She received loud applause. Thank you Administrator Jackson.

The final day of the conference was well attended and it is being reported that the panels were very informative and interactive. The last day agenda is below.

What Can the Stimulus Package Do for You? Federal Effortsto Expand Economic Opportunities and Promote Green Economies. Moderator: David Widawsky, Director, National Center on Economic and Innovation, United States Environmental Protection Agency Presenters: Velma Charles-Shannon, Environmental Justice Program Manager, Office of Outreach, United States Department ofAgricultureCarlton Eley, Program Manager, Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation, United States Environmental Protection Agency Jean Diggs, Program Manager, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, United States Department of Energy Jennifer Troke, Program Manager, Employment and Training Administration, United States Department of Lab or David S. Dillard, Economic Recovery Executive, United States Forest Service.

Engaging Students Climate Change - A Hands on ApproachConducting Waste Audits from the Garden to the Kitchen Cradle to Cradle. Moderator: Beverly Whitehead, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Health, Safety and Security, United States Department of Energy Presenters: Danielle Purifoy, Environmental Projects Coordinator, City of New Orleans Kari Fulton, National Campus Campaign Coordinator, Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative Jerald L. White, Filmmaker and Community Advocate, Bottletree Productions Merilee Harrigan, Vice President for Education, Alliance to Save Energy.

The Impacts of Climate Change – How Does It Affect Us. Moderator: David Padgett, Associate Professor, TennesseeState UniversityPresenters:Rosina Phillipe, Representative, Atakapa -Ishak Native AmericanTribe, and Member of American Wetlands Conversation Corps(AWCC)Sacoby Wilson, Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina Shankar Prasad, Executive Fellow, Coalition for Clean Air.

New Orleans: Before and After Hurricane Katrina. Moderator: Pamela Bingham, Diversity Chair & SustainabilityCommittee, American Society of Civil EngineersPresenters: Royce Duplessis, Student, Howard University School of Law Brandi White, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Minnesota Cheryl Johnson, Executive Director, People for CommunityRecovery, Altgeld Gardens.

Lead Poisoning and The precautionary Principle. Moderator: Anthony J. Brownlow, Management Analyst, Department of Justice Presenters:Christina Wadlington, Program Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mia Whang Spiker, Student, Howard University School of Law Nelta Edwards, Professor, University of Alaska.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS Best Practices for Using the National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) to Address EJ Challenges Moderators: Horst Greczmiel, Associate Director for NEPA Oversight, Council on Environmental Quality & Susan Bromm, Director, Office of Federal Activities, United States Environmental Protection Agency Presenters: Harold E. Peaks, Office of Project Development and Environmental Review, Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation Reggie Harris, Environmental Justice Coordinator, Region 3, United States Environmental Protection Agency Jim McElfish, Senior Attorney, Environmental Law Institute.

Have Your Water and Drink It Too: Facing the Challenges of Maintaining Water Infrastructure in Disadvantaged Communities Moderator: Charles Lee, Director, Office of Environmental Justice, United States Environmental Protection Agency Presenters: Mike Shapiro, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency Stephanie Adrian, International Water Programs Manager,Office of International Affairs, United States Environmental Protection Agency Sandi Boughton, Manager, Utility Programs, Water/Waste andRural Development, United States Department of Agriculture Cynthia D. West, Deputy Director, Pacific Northwest Research Station, U.S. Forest Service.

Ensuring Green Jobs Address Equality and Justice for our Community Moderator: Karen Wilson, Vice President, Institutional Development, Tougaloo CollegePresenters:Danielle Purifoy, Environmental Projects Coordinator, City of New Orleans Sally Prouty, President, Core Network Susan Tucker, Director, The After Prison Initiative, CriminalJustice Fund/US Programs, Open Society Institute David Widawsky, Acting Director, National Cent er forEnvironmental Innovation, United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

Renewable Energy and Economic Alternatives for the Navajo Nation Moderator: Rhonda Brown, Faith-Based and NeighborhoodPartnerships Coordinator, United States Department of Agriculture Presenters:Bob Gough, Attorney, Intertribal COUP Darcie Houck, Attorney, Fredericka Peebles & Morgan, LLPSteve Tromly, Archaeologist, Bonneville Power Administration.

Proliferation of Bioweapons Laboratories – A Threat to Environmental and Social Justice Moderator: Leslie D. Nelson, Consultant, S.M. Stoller Corporation Presenters: Klare Allen, Lead Organizer, Roxbury (MA) Safety Net,Vicky Steinitz, Coordinator, Greater Boston Stop the BU Bio -Terror Lab Coalition Beth Willis, Co-Founder, Fredrick Citizens for Bio-Lab Safety

Designing Safety Models for Communities Moderator: Kathleen Binder, Director, Office of DisputeResolution, United States Department of EnergyPresenters:Michael Wenstrom, Coordinator, Environmental Justice Team,United States Environmental Protection Agency David Padgett, Associate Professor, Tennessee State University12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Closing Luncheon Crystal Ballroom Speakers: Jeff Allison, Manager, Savannah River Site, United States Department of Energy Gerald Boyd, Manager, Oak Ridge Site, United States Department of Energy