The Department of Defense (DOD) announced this week two listening sessions to gather public input on its environmental justice (EJ) strategy. The DOD is updating its EJ Strategy in accordance with Executive Order 14096, "Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All," and aims to adopt a whole-of-government approach to advancing EJ.
To ensure community needs and concerns are addressed, the Department has scheduled listening sessions on June 25 and June 27, 2024. During these sessions, the DOD will discuss its draft goals and overall approach to implementing EJ across the Department's policies, programs, and other activities. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide input on the draft EJ goals and approach.
The listening sessions are scheduled as follows:
- Public Listening Session #1: June 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Eastern). [Register here for Session #1](https://www.denix.osd.mil/ej/)
- Public Listening Session #2: June 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Eastern). [Register here for Session #2](https://www.denix.osd.mil/ej/)
Interested individuals may also submit written comments by email to terry.l.bowers14.civ@mail.mil or osd.ejstrategy@mail.mil; or by hard copy to:
Terry Bowers
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment
3400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-3400
The DOD will consider all comments received or postmarked by July 9, 2024. Recognizing that public engagement is an ongoing process, the Department will explore further opportunities to engage communities with environmental justice concerns.
Additionally, Tribal leaders and organizations have been invited to participate in three listening sessions dedicated specifically to federally recognized Tribes.
More information on these listening sessions and registration details can be found in the Federal Register. For further information on the Department's EJ efforts visit https://www.denix.osd.mil/ej/ or contact osd.ejstrategy@mail.mil.
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