EPA Region 7 has announced a virtual Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting scheduled for October 17. The meeting, open to residents of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations, will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to engage community members in discussions about environmental justice. "Environmental justice" is defined as "the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, tribal affiliation, or disability," ensuring protection from adverse health and environmental effects.

Participants will learn about several initiatives including the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program and EPA’s Meaningful Engagement Policy. Updates on EJScreen and insights from the Iowa Environmental Council will also be shared. The event offers networking opportunities with other community members and organizations involved in similar work.

Attendees can interact with EPA staff to ask questions and express concerns. Although not all questions may be answered during the meeting, they will be referred to appropriate experts within EPA Region 7. Spanish-language interpretation services are available upon request during registration.

To participate in the meeting or submit discussion topics or questions in advance, individuals can contact R7-EJ-Stakeholders@epa.gov. For further inquiries related to the meeting, Monica Espinosa can be reached through EPA Region 7’s customer service line at 1-800-223-0425.