EPA Announces NEW National Office

The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (the “Office”) will work toward solving environmental challenges in communities that have been historically underserved. EPA staff will engage with communities with environmental justice concerns to understand their needs, as well as Tribal, state, and local partners; manage and disburse historic levels of grants and technical assistance; work with other EPA offices to incorporate EJ into the agency’s programs, policies, and processes, as allowed by law; and ensure EPA funding recipients comply with applicable civil rights laws. EPA created the Office by merging three existing programs: the Office of Environmental Justice, External Civil Rights Compliance Office, and Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center. The EPA defines 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, regulations, and policies. Through strategic planning, collaborative partnerships, and EJ grants, the Agency will work to ensure everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. Read the fact sheet about the EPA’s new Office and EJ here.