Environmental Justice & Equity

Historic and present environmental injustice threatens the lives of millions through exposure to pollution, toxins, disasters, heat, and other impacts disproportionately borne by low-income communities and communities of color. Environmental justice represents an intersectional grassroots movement bridging environmental and civil rights concerns to address these disparities and ensure communities fully and meaningfully participate in decisions affecting their health and wellbeing.

To encourage more equitable environmental law, we analyze federal laws, regulations, and policies and identify opportunities to improve them. We also highlight the work of community-based leaders and organizations leading the fight for change.

Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

The Biden administration has prioritized environmental justice and equity across all federal agencies through funding initiatives, including Justice40; personnel; new enforcement and policy priorities; enhanced public participation opportunities, and other EJ-related programs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) also includes significant funding for EJ-related initiatives, which agencies are now working to implement. For our analysis of the IRA’s EJ provisions, click here. Click here for our table summarizing those provisions.

We have created a tool to provide up-to-date information on the administration’s environmental justice commitments and progress made. These include administrative and regulatory actions across the whole of government, and at specific agencies. Access the Federal EJ Tracker here.

Legal Analysis

EELP staff and student researchers write and record legal analysis addressing environmental justice concerns in the areas of disaster resilience, federal initiatives, and community-based impacts and solutions. See our work below.