Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice at the IC2

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Association (EPA), 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.” All people should have the right to be protected from environmental hazards and enjoy the benefits of a clean and healthy environment. Taking actions to dismantle systemic barriers and addressing the root causes of environmental inequities and environmental racism is necessary to achieve environmental justice.

The Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) has formed an Environmental Justice (EJ) Workgroup that seeks to identify community engagement best practices and increase capacity and knowledge within IC2 to apply the principles of environmental justice into its work. The Workgroup aims to assist member organizations to integrate data, tools, and metrics to track progress. In collaboration with IC2 membership, the Executive Committee, and other workgroups, the EJ Workgroup will promote policies and regulations that will address the broad systems changes needed to reduce the disproportionate impact of exposure to toxic chemicals on different populations.