EJ 2020 Action Agenda

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for public comment on the draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda (EJ 2020) framework, the EPA's next overarching strategic plan for environmental justice. 

EJ 2020 is a strategy to advance environmental justice through EPA’s programs, policies and activities, and will support the cross-agency strategy on making a visible difference in environmentally overburdened, underserved, and economically-distressed communities. 

Stakeholders and the general public can review the framework and submit comments, starting today through June 15, 2015, by visiting www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ej2020 

The goals of EJ 2020 are to:

1.       Deepen environmental justice practice within EPA programs to improve the health and environment of overburdened communities;

2.       Collaborate with partners to expand our impact within communities; and

3.       Demonstrate progress on outcomes that matter to communities. 

Under Plan EJ 2014, EPA laid a foundation for integrating environmental justice into all its programs, including rule-writing, permitting, enforcement, science and law. Plan EJ 2014 helped to build environmental justice into the agency’s regulatory practice, revitalized environmental justice planning across the federal family, and initiated the development of a cross-cutting Environmental Justice Research Roadmap. To learn more about the accomplishments under Plan EJ 2014, visit http://epa.gov/environmentaljustice/plan-ej/index.html

During the public comment period for EJ 2020, EPA will conduct informational and dialogue sessions with partners and stakeholder groups. Audiences are encouraged to participate in these sessions and request additional sessions if needed. For more information about EJ 2020, and to view a schedule of these sessions, visithttp://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ej2020/. 

Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA’s goal is to provide an environment where all people enjoy equal access to the environmental decision-making process to maintain a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. EPA’s environmental justice work is an outgrowth of Executive Order 12898, signed by President Clinton in 1994, that requires federal agencies to address the disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs on minority and low-income populations.

Contact Information: Jennifer Colaizzi, colaizzi.jennifer@epa.gov, (202) 564-7776; En español: Lina Younes, younes.lina@epa.gov, (202) 564-9924

For more information about EPA’s environmental justice work, visit: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/

NEJAC Earth Day Teleconference

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Public Teleconference Meeting

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Public Teleconference Meeting Date and Time: 

• Wednesday, April 22, 2015
• 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• Public comment is from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

The primary topics of discussion will be:

• Refinery Rule
• Clean Power Rule
• Title VI

Pre-registration is required:

• Registration closes at 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, April 20, 2015
• Deadline for public comment period sign-up, is 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, April 20, 2015
• You can pre-register at http://nejac-teleconference-april2015.eventbrite.com

When registering:

• Please provide your name, organization, city and state, email address, and telephone number for follow up
• Please also state whether you would like to be put on the list to provide public comment, and whether you are submitting written comments before the Monday, April 20, 2015, deadline
• Non-English speaking attendees wishing to arrange for a foreign language interpreter may also make appropriate arrangements using the email address or telephone/fax number

Public Comment:

• Members of the public who wish to provide public comment must pre-register by 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, April 20, 2015
• Individuals or groups making remarks during the public comment period will be limited to seven minutes
• To accommodate the number of people who wish to address the NEJAC, only one representative of a particular community, organization, or group will be allowed to speak
• Written comments can also be submitted for the record
• The suggested format for individuals providing public comments is as follows: name of speaker; name of organization/community; city and state; and email address; brief description of the concern, and what you want the NEJAC to advise EPA to do
• Written comments received by 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, April 20, 2015, will be included in the materials distributed to the NEJAC prior to the teleconference
• Written comments received after that time will be provided to the NEJAC as time allows
• All written comments should be sent to Jasmin Muriel, EPA, via email at muriel.jasmin@epa.gov. Read the NEJAC public comment guidelines

For More Information: Questions or correspondence concerning the teleconference meeting should be directed to Jasmin Muriel by email at muriel.jasmin@epa.gov or telephone at 202-564-4287. Information about the NEJAC is available at: www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nejac. 

EPA Posts New Environmental Education Grant Opportunity

The second Request for Proposals (RFP) under the 2014-2015 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program, called the EE Local Grants RFP, is now open. EPA seeks grant proposals to support locally-focused environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Successful applicants will submit projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques.

The goal of these projects is to develop informed, knowledgeable citizens, and provide them with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment. EPA expects to award three grants from each of EPA's 10 Regional Offices, for a total of approximately 30 grants nationwide. Applications are due March 6, 2015.

Read the RFP and learn how to apply here: http://go.usa.gov/MsN4.

A webinar specific to the EE Local Grants RFP will be scheduled for a later date.

Proposals under the first RFP, called the EE Model Grants RFP, will be accepted through February 2, 2015.  (EPA)

EPA Smog Standards Hearings

EPA to Hold Public Hearings in California, Texas and Washington, D.C. on Proposed Smog Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold three public hearings on the proposed updates to the national air quality standards for ground-level ozone, also known as smog. EPA has proposed to strengthen the standards to a level within a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion to better protect Americans' health and the environment, while taking comment on a level down to 60 ppb. The agency estimates that the benefits of meeting the proposed standards will significantly outweigh the costs, preventing asthma attacks, heart attacks, missed school days and premature deaths, among other health effects.

WHAT: Public hearings on proposed updates to national air quality standards for ozone
WHEN: Jan. 29 and Feb. 2, 2015. Each hearing will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 7:30 p.m. local time
WHERE:

• Jan. 29: Arlington, Texas (Arlington City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, Arlington, Texas, 76010)
• Jan. 29: Washington. D.C. (U.S. EPA, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 1153, Washington, D.C. 20460)
• Feb. 2: Sacramento, Calif. (California Air Resources Board, Byron Sher Auditorium, 1001 "I" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Note: People attending the hearings in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento will be required to show valid photo identification to enter the buildings. In Washington, an additional form of ID may be required for people with driver's licenses issued by certain states. See http://www.epa.gov/glo/hearings.html for more information about the REAL ID Act.

The public may register to speak at a specific time at a hearing by contacting Eloise Shepherd at 919-541-5507 or shepherd.eloise@epa.gov. People may also register in person on the day of the hearing. EPA will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 17, 2015. The agency will issue a final rule by Oct. 1, 2015.  (EPA)

For more information about the proposal: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/12/17/2014-28674/national-ambient-air-quality-standards-for-ozone

For instructions about submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/glo/how-to-comment.html

Equitable Development and Environmental Justice at the New Partners Conference‏

Equitable Development: Tools and Strategies for Making a Visible Difference  in Communities

New Partners for Smart Growth Conference is Fast Approaching!

The Early Bird Registration rate has been extended until December 15th!

This exciting event includes many sessions, workshops and tours that make the case that equitable development IS smart growth! In this email you will find the equitable development brochure that highlights many components of the conference that have strong focus on equity and environmental justice issues, which we believe will be very appealing to your constituencies. We also have included the general conference brochure that highlights the program more broadly and other exciting conference features. 

The program includes over 80 sessions, featuring a strong track of sessions focused on equitable development and environmental justice issues. Additionally, many other sessions throughout the three-day program cover these important issues, and their importance in creating sustainable communities. A special half-day pre-conference workshop titled Equitable Development: Tools and Strategies for Making a Visible Difference  in Communities is scheduled for Thursday morning, January 29th. For more information.

Contact

Kelsey Wolf-Cloud

Conference Assistant

Local Government Commission

EPA 2014 EJ Collaborative Agreements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today competitive cooperative agreements with 12 community-based organizations working to address environmental justice issues nationwide. The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding for non-profit and tribal organizations to partner with stakeholders from across industry, government, and academia to develop and implement solutions that significantly address environmental and/or public health issues in American communities.

In 2003, EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) launched the first solicitation for the EJCPS Cooperative Agreement Program. Since the Program’s inception, EPA has provided funding to 50 projects to help communities understand and address exposure to environmental harms and risks. Each of this year’s recipients are awarded up to $120,000 to support two-year projects, including identifying and reducing sources of air pollution, reducing lead exposure in homes of low-income residents, and the cleanup and repurposing of community dump sites. Projects must use the Collaborative Problem Solving model, comprised of seven elements of a successful collaborative partnership, to address local environmental and/or public health issues.
 

Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in the environmental decision-making process. These awards represent EPA’s commitment to promoting localized, community-based actions to address environmental justice issues.

The twelve cooperative agreements total about $1.4 million. The selected recipients are:

• Montachusett Opportunity Council, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
• Partners for a Healthier Community, Inc., Springfield, Massachusetts
• Desarrollo Integral del Sur, Inc., Peñuelas, Puerto Rico
• Greensboro Housing Coalition, Greensboro, North Carolina
• Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors, Yazoo City, Mississippi
• Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision Project, Detroit, Michigan
• Groundwork New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Trailnet, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri
• Conejos County Clean Water, Inc., Antonito, Colorado
• Environmental Health Coalition, San Diego, California
• Tolani Lake Enterprise, Navajo Nation, Northeast Arizona
• Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, Seattle, Washington

A complete listing of the 2014 Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement recipients and project descriptions.

In the fall of 2014, EPA plans to release a Request for Applications for the fiscal year 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. A schedule of pre-application teleconference calls will be announced at that time.

More information about EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement Program:

NEJAC Meetings

Two Upcoming National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) Meeting Events

NEJAC Public Teleconference
July 17, 2014
Teleconference: 2:00-4:00 PM Eastern Time
The NEJAC will host a public teleconference meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The meeting will include a public comment. Members of the public are encouraged to provide comments in writing or during the call.

NEJAC Public Meeting
October 1-2, 2014
Crystal City, Virginia
The next face-to-face meeting of the NEJAC will be held at the EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center, 2777 Crystal Drive, Crystal City, Virginia, on October 1 and 2, 2014. The meeting will include a public comment period.
Questions concerning the meeting should be directed to Ms. Jasmin Muriel at 202-564-4287 or via e-mail at Muriel.Jasmin@epa.gov.

EPA Ceremony on EJ Executive Order 20th Anniversary

There was an excellent program at EPA Headquarters today in the Rachel Carson Green Room that celebrated the 20th anniversay of the signing of the Presidential Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice:  "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations."   President Bill Clinton signed the order on February 11th, 2014.

Congressman John Lewis was recognized for his groundbreaking work in the area of environmental justice.  He and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy gave excellent speeches to the packed room.

The event recognized past environmental justice leaders, to focus on the next generation.  The event highlighted how America can address many of the environmental justice challenges over the next 20 years.

The Executive Order directs federal agencies to make environmental justice part of their missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority, low-income populations. The Order is intended to promote nondiscrimination in federal programs substantially affecting human health and the environment. The Order also provides minority and low-income communities access to public information and an opportunity to participate in matters relating to human health or the environment. The Presidential Memorandum accompanying the Order underscores certain provisions of existing law that can help ensure that all communities and people across this nation live in a safe and healthy environment.

On February 10th, 2014, President Obama released a proclamation acknowledging the anniversary of the executive order. The proclamation is much more than a purely symbolic gesture. It is a very visible statement from the White House firmly re-committing this Administration's dedication to making sure that we, "live up to the promise that here in America, no matter who you are or where you come from, you can pursue your dreams in a safe and just environment."  (EPA)

Presidential Proclamation -- 20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 12898

ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Two decades ago, President William J. Clinton directed the Federal Government to tackle a long-overlooked problem. Low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and tribal areas disproportionately bore environmental burdens like contamination from industrial plants or landfills and indoor air pollution from poor housing conditions. These hazards worsen health disparities and reduce opportunity for residents -- children who miss school due to complications of asthma, adults who struggle with medical bills. Executive Order 12898 affirmed every American's right to breathe freely, drink clean water, and live on uncontaminated land. Today, as America marks 20 years of action, we renew our commitment to environmental justice for all.

Because we all deserve the chance to live, learn, and work in healthy communities, my Administration is fighting to restore environments in our country's hardest-hit places. After over a decade of inaction, we reconvened an Environmental Justice Interagency Working Group and invited more than 100 environmental justice leaders to a White House forum. Alongside tribal governments, we are working to reduce pollution on their lands. And to build a healthier environment for every American, we established the first-ever national limits for mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants.

While the past two decades have seen great progress, much work remains. In the years to come, we will continue to work with States, tribes, and local leaders to identify, aid, and empower areas most strained by pollution. By effectively implementing environmental laws, we can improve quality of life and expand economic opportunity in overburdened communities. And recognizing these same communities may suffer disproportionately due to climate change, we must cut carbon emissions, develop more homegrown clean energy, and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that we are already feeling across our country.

As we mark this day, we recall the activists who took on environmental challenges long before the Federal Government acknowledged their needs. We remember how Americans -- young and old, on college campuses and in courtrooms, in our neighborhoods and through our places of worship -- called on a Nation to pursue clean air, water, and land for all people. On this anniversary, let us move forward with the same unity, energy, and passion to live up to the promise that here in America, no matter who you are or where you come from, you can pursue your dreams in a safe and just environment.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 11, 2014, as the 20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with programs and activities that promote environmental justice and advance a healthy, sustainable future.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

 

 

February 11, 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of President Clinton's

signing of Executive Order 12898, "Federal Actions to Address

Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income

Populations." EPA's Administrator, Gina McCarthey, has declared

February 2014 as Environmental Justice Month at EPA, to

highlighting the agency's progress while also launching a

yearlong effort to focus our environmental justice leadership

and reaffirm our commitment to do even more. Throughout

the year, tune in to EPA.gov to find out more about the great

events that are going on across the country to commemorate

this historic milestone, and to find out about the exciting

developments going on in EPA and across the government

to advance environmental justice.

Notice: New York City Council Air Quality EJ Hearing

 

The New York City Council

Committee on Environmental Protection

Councilmember donovan richards, Chairman

 

REPORT of the Infrasturcture Division

Robert Newman, legislative director

TO:                              Invited Guests

FROM:                       Samara Swanston, Counsel to the

                                    Environmental Protection Committee

 

Re:      Air quality Impacts and ways to measure and address them in NYC environmental justice communities

Date: 2/28/14

Time: 1:p.m.

Location: 250 Broadway, 16^th FL Committee Room

We would very much appreciate an opportunity to hear your ideas and perspectives on the above Oversight Hearing topic.

Please testify in person and it will be real time live streamed on Time Warner Channel 74 or submit comments in writing.

Liebert Environmental Justice Journal December Edition

Environmental Justice

Table of Contents Alert

Volume: 6, Number: 6, December 2013

View this Issue Online
 

Original Articles

 

	Stories, Science, and Power in Policy Change: Environmental Health, Community-Based Research, and Community Organizing in a U.S.-Mexico Border Colonia
	Kathleen Staudt, Guadalupe Márquez-Velarde, and Mosi Dane'el
	Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 6, December 2013: 191-199. Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (183 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (187 KB)

	Nocturnal Convenience: The Problem of Securing Universal Sanitation Access in Alabama's Black Belt
	Maxwell Izenberg, Olivia Johns-Yost, Pauline D. Johnson, and Joe Brown
	Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 6, December 2013: 200-205. Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (198 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (144 KB)

	“But You Never Know in These Kind of Things”: Contingent Factors for Environmental Justice at the Beare Wetland, Scarborough, Canada
	Lisa Sharma-Wallace
	Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 6, December 2013: 206-212. Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (151 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (152 KB)

	Environmental Justice and the Demographic Threshold: Are Benefits Reaching Communities at Risk?
	Tonya Lewis and Sean Bennett
	Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 6, December 2013: 213-218. Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (132 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (133 KB)

	Assessment of Spatial Disparities in the Burden of Underground Storage Tanks in Maryland (2001–2011)
	Sacoby Wilson, Chengsheng Jiang, Kristen Burwell, Rianna Murray, Laura Dalemarre, Charles Naney, and Hongmei Zhang
	Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 6, December 2013: 219-225. Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (224 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (171 KB)

Environmental Justice Month - February

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy Declares February 2014 Environmental Justice Month

Check out Administrator Gina McCarthy's latest blog post and video about EJ Month and the 20th anniversary of Executive Order 12898.

February 11, 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of President Clinton's signing of Executive Order 12898, "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations." We've accomplished a lot over the past two decades - not only EPA, but all federal agencies, state and local governments, tribes, community leaders, and partners in academia and business.

That's why EPA Administrator McCarthy has declared February 2014 as Environmental Justice Month at EPA, highlighting our progress while also launching a yearlong effort to focus our environmental justice leadership and reaffirm our commitment to do even more. Throughout 2014, EPA will be highlighting events occurring around the country. (EPA)

For more information on how EPA and others are celebrating.

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) Public Meeting

Advance Registration closes February 5th

The next face-to-face meeting of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will be held at the US EPA, Region 8 building, located at 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202-1129, on February 11-12, 2014. The meeting will include a public comment period.

Teleconference: If you will not be able to attend in person but would like to participate in the conference, teleconference services will be available. You are encouraged to pre-register for the teleconference so that the facility will be able to provide the level of service to accommodate the attendees.

• Register online

Meeting Registration: Registration is required for everyone (including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] and other federal employees). Pre-registration closes at Noon, Mountain Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Because this NEJAC meeting will be held in a government space, we strongly encourage you to register early. Meeting materials will be prepared based on the number of participants who have pre-registered by that date. There are four easy ways to register:

• Register online

Non-English speaking attendees wishing to arrange for a foreign language interpreter also may make appropriate arrangements by calling the number above or by sending an e-mail to the e-mail address above.

Public Comment Sign-Up: Members of the public who wish to speak during the Public Comment period should pre-register by Noon, Mountain Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. To accommodate the large number of people who want to address the NEJAC, only one representative of a community, organization, or group will be allowed to speak. If time permits, multiple representatives from the same organization can provide comment at the end of the session. In addition, those who did not sign up in advance to give public comment can sign up on site; however, those who sign-up in advance will be called to speak first.

Written comments also can be submitted for the record. The required format for individuals providing written public comments is as follows:

• Name of speaker
• Name of organization/community
• City and state
• E-mail address
• A brief description of the concern, and what you want the NEJAC to advise EPA to do

Written comments received by Noon, Mountain Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, will be included in the materials distributed to the members of the NEJAC. Written comments received after that time will be provided to the NEJAC as time allows. All written comments should be sent to muriel.jasmin@epa.gov.

For Furthor Information: Questions or correspondence concerning the teleconference meeting should be directed to Jasmin Muriel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by mail at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (MC2201A), Washington, DC 20460; by telephone at 202-564-4287; via email at muriel.jasmin@epa.gov; or by fax at 202-564-1624. Additional information about the NEJAC.  (EPA)

Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreements

Applications Must be Submitted by February 18, 2014

EPA's Office of Environmental Justice is reminding prospective applicants of its Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2014 Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program. The (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding for eligible applicants for projects that address local environmental and/or public health issues within an affected community.

The EJCPS Program is designed to help eligible non-profit and Native American communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks at the local level.

The total estimated available funding for awards under this competitive opportunity is $1,200,000. Awards will be made in amounts of up to $120,000 per award for a two year project period.

Applications must be submitted by February 18, 2014.

Interested applicants are invited to participate in conference calls with EPA to address questions about the EJCPS Program and this solicitation. Participants may access the pre-application assistance calls by dialing 1-866-299-3188 and entering the code 202-564-1771 when prompted. The following are the conference call dates and times:

Date	Time (Eastern Standard)
Saturday, January 25, 2014	1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014	5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

More information regarding the EJCPS Program or contact Sheritta Woodruff Taylor at (202) 564-1771 

NEJAC Public Meeting

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC)
Public Meeting
February 11 – 12, 2014
Denver, Colorado

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

(*Advance Registration closes February 5th*)

 

The next face-to-face meeting of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) will be held at the US EPA, Region 8 Conference Center, located at 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202, on February 11 and 12, 2014. The meeting will include a public comment period.

Meeting Registration: Registration is required for everyone (including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] and other federal employees). Pre-registration closes at Noon, Mountain Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014.

Because this NEJAC meeting will be held in a government space, they strongly encourage you to register early. Meeting materials will be prepared based on the number of participants who have pre-registered by that date. On-site registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. on February 11.

There are four easy ways to register:

Online: Click here https://nejac-denver2014.eventbrite.com to register online.

By E-mail: Send an e-mail to muriel.jasmin@epa.gov with “Register for the NEJAC February Meeting” in the subject line. Please provide your name, organization, mailing address (including city, state, and zip code), e-mail address, and telephone number for future follow-up as necessary.

By Fax: Print the Web page containing the registration form and fax to 202-564-1624.

By Phone: Leave a message at 202-564-4287. Please provide your name, job title, organization, mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number for future follow-up as necessary.

Non-English speaking attendees wishing to arrange for a foreign language interpreter also may make appropriate arrangements by calling the number above or by sending an e-mail to the e-mail address above.

Hotel Reservations. A limited number of rooms have been reserved at the prevailing government rate ($156) at the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel located at 1672 Lawrence Street, in Denver, Colorado. To make a room reservation, please contact the hotel at 888-627-8435 or 800 WESTIN1, and ask for the EPA Rooms Only Denver 2014 block. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, January 20th at 5:00 pm Mountain (7:00 p.m. Eastern), to receive the discounted rate.

Public Comment Sign-Up: Members of the public who wish to speak during the Public Comment period should pre-register by Noon, Mountain Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. To accommodate the large number of people who want to address the NEJAC, only one representative of a community, organization, or group will be allowed to speak.

If time permits, multiple representatives from the same organization can provide comment at the end of the session. In addition, those who did not sign up in advance to give public comment can sign up on site; however, those who sign-up in advance will be called to speak first.

Written comments also can be submitted for the record. The required format for individuals providing written public comments is as follows:

Name of speaker

Name of organization/community

City and state

E-mail address

A brief description of the concern, and what you want the NEJAC to advise EPA to do

Written comments received by Noon, Mountain Time, on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, will be included in the materials distributed to the members of the NEJAC. Written comments received after that time will be provided to the NEJAC as time allows. All written comments should be sent to Muriel.Jasmin@EPA.gov.


Chemical Sensitivity: As you may be aware, some individuals who attend NEJAC meetings suffer from chemical sensitivity due to multiple exposures in their communities. As a result, they may have adverse health reactions to products commonly used everyday, such as scented air fresheners, scented toiletry items, perfumes, colognes, etc. In addition, other individuals may suffer from asthma triggered by exposure to these same products. Please be sensitive to the needs of these NEJAC meeting participants by refraining from using perfumed or scented items at the meeting. We ask that you also share this request with others in your office who may be planning to attend. Thank you for your careful consideration and attention to this matter.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Questions or correspondence concerning the teleconference meeting should be directed to Jasmin Muriel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, by mail at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (MC2201A), Washington, DC 20460; by telephone at 202-564-4287; via email at Muriel.Jasmin@epa.gov ; or by fax at 202-564-1624. Additional information about the NEJAC is available at: www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nejac.

Mississippi DEQ Seeks Input On Upcoming Environmental Conference Topics

Trudy Fisher

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is planning a conference this year, and wants the help of all interested parties to plan it.

It will focus on environmental justice and mark the 20th anniversary of an executive order mandating that federal programs provide environmental protections equally and regardless of race or income.

Anyone from residents to nonprofits to businesses can suggest topics and speakers, as well as provide input on the conference's location and date.

The department participated in a similar conference last year in Biloxi, which was organized by the Environmental Protection Agency. Among the topics were public access, health, transportation and community sustainability.

According to DEQ Executive Director Trudy Fisher:

"We work to make sure that all communities, regardless of your ethnicity or your socioeconomic status, that you are able to participate with the programs of the Department of Environmental Quality. It's just an opportunity for communities to come together with businesses and industry and other leaders to talk about how to better our communities.  Our mission at DEQ is to protect human health and the environment." 

She said the conference will be a way for organizations and people to learn from each other.

Send comments to Melissa Collier, director of Office of Community Engagement, at melissa_collier@deq.state.ms.us  or P.O. Box 2261, Jackson MS 39225.  (Sun Herald, 1/11/2014)

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/11/5251475/deq-wants-input-on-upcoming-environmental.html#storylink=cpy

EPA Environmental Justice Community Outreach Call

November 21 Teleconference

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Phone Number: (877) 744-6030

Access Code: 99212070

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice invites environmental justice advocates to participate on our next Environmental Justice Community Outreach Call, which will take place on November 21, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. ET. This month's call will focus on two areas:

· EPA's ongoing outreach efforts on the carbon pollution guidelines for existing power plants – New Source Performance Standards (Section 111d)

 

· Events celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898

 

The purpose of these calls is to provide information to participants about the Agency's EJ activities and maintain an open dialogue with EJ advocates. As EPA continues to advance Plan EJ 2014, the Agency hopes that these calls will better inform the public about EPA's EJ work and enhance opportunities to take advantage of federal activities.

Listen to, or read about, previous calls

More information about Plan EJ 2014

EPA Awards 2013 Environmental Justice Small Grants

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a total of $1.1 million in competitive grants to 39 non-profit and tribal organizations working to address environmental justice issues nationwide. The grants will enable the organizations to develop solutions to local health and environmental issues in low-income, minority and tribal communities overburdened by harmful pollution.

These grants help build capacity, raise awareness, and equip communities with the tools to address environmental challenges – from climate change impacts to brownfields and water pollution.

The 2013 grants support activities that address a range of community concerns such as reducing exposure to indoor environmental asthma triggers, restoring and protecting waterways, educating child care professionals on ways to prevent lead poisoning, and reducing pesticide use in child care facilities.

Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in the environmental decision-making process. Since 1994, EPA’s environmental justice small grants program has supported projects to address environmental justice issues in more than 1,400 communities. The grant awards represent EPA’s commitment to promoting community-based actions to address environmental justice issues.

In the fall of 2013, EPA will issue a Request for Proposals for the FY 2014 Collaborative Problem Solving Grants. A schedule of pre-application community stakeholder teleconference calls will be announced at that time.  (EPA)

2013 EJ Small Grant recipients and project descriptions

More information about EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants program

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BRAINTRUST

A Historical Review of Executive Order 12898
Honorary Host: Rep. James E. Clyburn

Friday, September 20, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Washington Convention Center Room 143-B

This year's Environmental Justice Braintrust will focus on the implementation of Executive Order 12898, which was issued in 1994 to address environmental justice issues in minority and low-income populations.

 

The panel will assess how far we have come and how far we still have to go. The Joint Center will focus in particular on these issues in light of the Obama Administration’s Climate Action Plan.

 

Discussions will explore the unique relationships between human health, environmental justices and economic development and how to improve the quality of life in challenged communities nationwide.

Speakers include:

 

Ms. Lisa F. Garcia – Office of Environmental Justice, U.S. EPA

 

Ms. Melinda Downing – Office of Environmental Justice, U.S. Department of Energy

 

Ms. Danielle Deane – Energy & Environment Program, Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies

 

Dr. Mildred McClain – Harambee House, Inc.

 

Mr. Milton Bluehouse, Jr. – Tribal Consultation Resources, LLC

 

Dr. Sue Briggum – Waste Management, Inc.

 

Mr. Timothy Fields – MDB, Inc.

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) Public Meeting

Select Sessions Available via Teleconference

September 11-12, 2013, Atlanta, Georgia

Registration closes 12 p.m. ET September 5.

During the upcoming National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) Public Meeting on September 11-12, 2013, four sessions will be available via audio teleconference to those unable to attend in person:

Session 1: September 11, 2013, Morning (9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ET)

• Remarks from the EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy (9:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m.)
• Dialogue with the Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Stan Meiburg (10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)
• Panel Discussion: Considering Environmental Justice in TSCA (10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

Session 2: September 11, 2013, Afternoon (1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. ET)

• Updates about Plan EJ 2014 (1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
• Progress Report: EJ and Enforcement (2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
• PM2.5 NAAQS Implementation Regulatory Development Discussion (2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.)
• Dialogue with the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice Director; Matthew Tejada (3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.)

Session 3: September 12, 2013, Morning (9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ET)

• Panel Discussion: Climate Adaptation (9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)
• Next Steps for Addressing EJ in Permitting (10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
• Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for Advancing Community-Based Work at the EPA (11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.)

Session 4: September 12, 2013, Afternoon (1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. ET)

• Recognizing 20 Years of the NEJAC (1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
• Update: NEJAC Work Group on Community Resiliency in Environmental Justice Industrial Waterfront Communities (2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
• Update: NEJAC Indigenous Peoples Work Group (2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
• Update: NEJAC Research Work Group (3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.)

Separate phone lines will be used for each session. When you register, please indicate which session(s) you plan to attend. For example, "I will attend all four sessions," or "I will attend sessions 3 and 4." There will not be a public comment period during these sessions.

Please note that a limited number of lines will be available. Those who are pre-registered will be given priority over others on a first-come basis, as capacity allows. Participating individuals will be able to hear real time presentations and the NEJAC member discussions on the topics specified above. The teleconference will be audio only, in an effort to minimize cost.

You can register as follows:

• By Email to with "Register for the NEJAC-September Teleconference" in the subject line. Please provide your name, organization, city, state, email address, and telephone number for future follow-up. Please indicate which session number you will attend. Separate pre-registration lists will be kept for each teleconference session.

• By Phone or Fax to 877-773-1489 with your name, organization, city, state, email address, and telephone number. Please specify "NEJAC-September Teleconference" and the teleconference session number(s) that you will attend in your fax or voice message.

Non-English speaking attendees wishing to arrange for a foreign language interpreter may also make appropriate arrangements using these numbers.

Members of the public who wish to attend any of the sessions must pre-register by noon Eastern Time on Thursday, September 5, 2013.

Information about Services for Individuals with Disabilities:

For information about access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Ms. Estela Rosas, APEX Direct, Inc., at 877-773-1489 or via email.

More information about the September NEJAC meeting: