Federal Environmental Justice Tracker

EJ Tracker Update

EPA Issued Updated Order on Providing Access to Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Last updated:

November 3, 2024

Authority

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Agencies

EPA

Actions

Guidance/Policy

EPA released an updated Limited English Proficiency (LEP) order in compliance with its obligations under Executive Order 13166, to improve “meaningful access to EPA programs, activities, and services for individuals with LEP.” The updated order included a plan to convene a Language Access Working Group, designation of responsible parties within programs and regions to serve as a point of contact on LEP access, and an affirmation that “upon determining the need for language assistance services, the EPA will take reasonable steps to ensure that all communication is conducted with the use of a qualified contract interpreter or translator, through telephonic or virtual/video interpretation with qualified interpreters, or with the use of a qualified multilingual staff member.”