Understanding Environmental Justice

Transcription

1 Understanding Environmental Justice What it is??? What can I do??? City of Brooksville EPA Grant Recipient Presented By: Ken Pinnix Cardno Jacksonville - Brownfields and Economic Development Manager November 20, 2014

2 Environmental Justice Agenda/Topics What is Environmental Justice (EJ)? An Overview History / Importance Public/Private Sector Embrace/Implementation What can I do? Tools you can use Conclusion You can make a difference!!

3 What is a Environmental Justice? EPA Definition Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, income, and educational levels with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of protective environmental laws, regulations, and policies...

4 Environmental Justice A National perspective Explained as Communities of color, which are often poor, are routinely targeted to host facilities that have negative environmental impacts. Environmental justice is an important part of the struggle to improve and maintain a clean and healthful environment, especially for those who have traditionally lived, worked and played closest to the sources of pollution.

5 Environmental Justice History & Importance Early 1960s - Farm workers organized by Cesar Chavez fight for workplace rights, including protection from toxic pesticides in California farm fields Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. The law's "Title VI" -- prohibiting use of federal funds to discriminate based on race, color and national origin -- will become an important tool in environmental justice litigation African-American students take to the streets of Houston to oppose a city dump that had claimed the lives of two children U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established to enforce laws that protect human health and safeguard the natural environment Hundreds of families evacuated from Love Canal area of Niagara Falls, New York, due to rates of cancer and birth defects; toxic chemicals were buried decades before under neighborhood.

6 US EPA Environmental Justice President Clinton signed Presidential order on February 11, 1994 mandating "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations birth of Environmental Justice in the EPA and all federal agencies That same year the US Environmental Protection Agency made environmental justice a priority in all agency provided grants and funding. Effectiveness of the early EJ program was somewhat successfully implemented at the federal level however, the message was not reaching the community level. It must reach those impacted. The key to successful EJ outcomes is community participation, involvement, and empowerment

7 US EPA Environmental Justice In 2009, former EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson instituted a change in philosophy within the EJ Program where a bottom up approach was instituted instead of a top down. This change significantly increased activity within the EJ Program mainly at the local community level. Community residents and activists now had a seat at the table and are currently engaged in the decision-making process in the future determination of their neighborhoods. Engagement and Involvement increased significantly leading to greater visibility and effectiveness of the program. In observance of 20th Anniversary of the signing of the historic legislation, a video series was produced including a diversified list of stakeholders speaking on the importance of Environmental Justice. See link below

8 Effective Tools for Interactive Engagement Clear communication among all parties involved. Ensure every voice is heard Willingness to listen Keep emotions in perspective Share all pertinent information/data with all partners Respect for historical significance, cultural identities of impacted residents/communities Recognize/respect the differences in people Realize importance of history and culture of residents in impacted areas All people want to live in a safe and healthy, and vibrant community Work to be a change agent and offer solutions not an impediment Willingness to talk through issues, concerns Maximize efforts to be a part of the solution. Every opinion is considered in the decision-making process.

9 US EPA Environmental Justice Tools Critical to the importance of EPA EJ Program was improving participation of the community The EPA created the handbook for effective community engagement & involvement Collaborative Problem Solving This booklet is an excellent resource providing a number of proven and effective methods to: Engage and empower residents in environmental issues and concerns. Organizational tools for Community Based Organizations (CBO s) and Not-For-Profits (NFP s) The booklet is available at

10 Environmental Justice What can I do? Know What's Happening - talk with your neighbors Get Organized structure promotes effectiveness Do Your Research learn your subject Determine a Goal what is your resolution Build a Coalition Strength in numbers Target the Decision-Makers Let them hear your concerns Get Involved in the Process be engaged Build Support develop effective partnerships

11 Env i ro n m e ntal Jus t ice r-9) C a r d n o Shapingthe Future

12 Conclusion You can make a difference Dr. Martin Luther King stated Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere Same holds true for Environmental Justice & Environmental Injustice Power is still with the people Keep your eyes on the prize You can give out but don t give up!! Starts with man in the mirror It starts with you!!