The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a supplement to their environmental justice plan in order to use Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to advance environmental justice. The Supreme Court has ruled that Title VI authorizes federal agencies to prohibit not only discrimination against persons according to race, color, or national origin in all activities, but also to take measures to prevent actions that have discriminatory effects but may not have been intentionally taken to discriminate.
The EPA realizes that preventing and halting discriminatory practices within its agency and its operatives is the first step towards executing environmental justice and equity. The goal of the Title VI Supplement is to “place a greater focus on prevention of discrimination and compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and to promote meaningful dialogue and seek input to improve efficiencies in Title VI compliance.”
The EPA has been taking public comment with regard to the Title VI Draft Supplement, and has extended the period in which they will accept public opinion to 11:59 pm on Thursday July 19, 2012. If you have concerns or suggestions about how the EPA can further improve their civil rights policies, then visit EPA.gov to review and provide comments. You may also submit comments by mail and send them to:
Atten: Plan EJ 2014
USEPA
Office of Environmental Justice
Mail Code 2201-A
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Washington, DC 20460
