Environmental Justice Element

Environmental Justice Element

“Environmental justice” is defined in California law as the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. California law further states that environmental justice includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• The availability of a healthy environment for all people.
• The deterrence, reduction, and elimination of pollution burdens for populations and communities experiencing the adverse effects of that pollution, so that the effects of the pollution are not disproportionately borne by those populations and communities.
• Governmental entities engaging and providing technical assistance to populations and communities most impacted by pollution to promote their meaningful participation in all phases of the environmental and land-use decision-making process.
• At a minimum, the meaningful consideration of recommendations from populations and communities most impacted by pollution into environmental and land-use decisions.
• Environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives must do the following:
• Reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by reducing pollution exposure and promoting public improvements; public services; community amenities; and access to food, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity.
• Promote civil engagement in the public decision-making process.
• Prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.