Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the Environmental Justice Clearinghouse, an online repository of resources aimed at advancing President Biden’s environmental justice agenda. Theresa Segovia, Principal Deputy Assistant Director for The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the administration's goals, stating, “Delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious environmental justice agenda requires shared dedication to building strong relationships and solution-oriented programs.”
The Environmental Justice Clearinghouse is designed to provide easy access to federal and non-federal resources essential for environmental justice initiatives. Segovia highlighted the significance of making information readily available to stakeholders and advocates across the country, stating, “Having an online, easily accessible library of information will ensure that resources from across the country are at the fingertips of all environmental justice stakeholders and advocates. And it will only be made stronger with suggestions from the American people.”
Dr. Jalonne L. White-Newsome, Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, praised the Clearinghouse as a tool that consolidates various sources of information to support communities in pursuing environmental justice. White-Newsome mentioned, “EPA’s Environmental Justice Clearinghouse will be a helpful online tool that compiles multiple sources of information so that everyone interested in environmental justice will be able to find resources on one website.”
The EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will continuously update the Clearinghouse with new information and encourages public submissions for review and potential inclusion. The platform currently offers a range of resources, including funding opportunities, screening and mapping tools, and technical assistance, with searchable categories to facilitate easy access for the public.
The Environmental Justice Clearinghouse was established following President Biden's Executive Order on Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, which aimed to promote accessibility and inclusivity in environmental justice initiatives. The order mandated the creation of a comprehensive online repository with culturally and linguistically appropriate materials related to environmental justice issues.
For those interested in exploring the Environmental Justice Clearinghouse or submitting potential resources, a visit to EPA’s website is recommended. The initiative underscores the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to fostering environmental justice and providing resources to support communities in addressing environmental concerns.