Underserved and underrepresented communities in the Commonwealth face higher levels of pollution. While some Virginia state agencies have incorporated environmental justice into their review process, the Commonwealth currently lacks consistency in addressing inequitable access to a healthy and safe environment.
On January, 22, 2019, Governor Northam established the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice (VCEJ) to make recommendations and create a framework to address environmental injustices. Environmental justice is an investment in healthier communities for all Virginians. That is why it is important to develop a statewide environmental literacy plan, provide assistance to community organizations related to environmental literacy education, and assess the resources required of state agencies to develop agency-specific environmental justice policies.
Take Action!
Tell your legislator to extend the operation of the interagency environmental justice working group in the new biennium budget.
Apply to serve on the Council on Environmental Justice and sign up for updates here.