Environmental Justice means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:

  • are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and

  • have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Demystifying Environmental Justice (EJ)

Understanding Environmental Justice

How New England States Address Environmental Justice

  • Key State Entity on Environment Issues/EJ:CT DEEP - Office of Equity and Environmental Justice

    EJ Tables / Convenings: CEEJAC

    Environmental Justice means that all people should be treated fairly under environmental laws regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or economic status and should receive equal shares of both environmental benefits and burdens.  The Environmental Justice movement has grown in response to increasing evidence nationally and statewide indicating, for example, that low-income minority groups are often exposed to above-average amounts of environmental burdens. Industrial air pollution, lead paint, disposal facilities, pesticides and contaminated fish are just a few sources of such pollution. For more, read here

  • Key State Entity on Environmental Issues/EJ: Massachusetts Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE)

    EJ Convenings/Table: Massachusetts EJ Council

    Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment regardless of race, color, national origin, income, or English language proficiency. Environmental justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people and communities with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of energy, climate change, and environmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of energy and environmental benefits and burdens. Read more here

  • Lead State Entity on Environmental Issues: Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

    EJ Tables / Relevant Convenings: Equity Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council

    "Environmental justice" means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, rules, regulations and policies. Read more here

  • Key State Entity on Environment Issues: NHDES

    EJ Tables / Convenings: Monthly virtual meetings connect people and organizations working on EJ in NH, and collectively design and support greater EJ learning, action and movement building in NH. Request a connection to the NH EJ Roundtable

    Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Read more here

  • Key State Entity on Environment Issues: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)

    EJ Tables / Convenings: Contact Climate Justice Specialist Chris Gaynor for information on RIDEM’s Climate Hour events

    "Environmental Justice (EJ)" means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, English language proficiency, or income with respect to access to the state’s natural resources and the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Read more here

  • Key State Entity on Environment Issues:Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR)

    EJ Tables / Convenings: VT-EJ Network Steering Committee

    Also known as Act 154 of 2022, the Vermont Environmental Justice (EJ) Law is the state’s first law specifically meant to address environmental health disparities and improve the health and well-being of all Vermont residents. The Environmental Justice Law establishes Vermont’s Environmental Justice State Policy.  

    The purpose of the Environmental Justice Law is to ensure all Vermonters regardless of race, cultural background, or income have equitable access to environmental benefits such as clean air and water, healthy food, and public transportation. The Environmental Justice Law also protects communities from disproportionate environmental burdens such as polluted air and water, climate change impacts, and limited access to green spaces. The Environmental Justice Law requires State agencies to meaningfully engage Vermonters in the environmental decision-making processes.    Read more here