Question

Why does the EPA have an Environmental Justice Program?

Short answer

The EPA has an Environmental Justice Program to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin or income, enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process, recognizing and addressing the disproportionately adverse impacts often faced by minority, low-income, and indigenous populations.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the EPA's purpose

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is an agency of the U.S. federal government established in 1970 for the purpose of protecting human health by safeguarding the natural environment. It sets and enforces standards based on environmental laws passed by Congress.

Define the Environmental Justice Program

The Environmental Justice (EJ) Program is an initiative under the EPA. The goal of the EJ program is to ensure that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.

Define why the EJ Program is necessary for the EPA

The EJ Program is necessary because it recognizes, addresses, and works to solve the disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental impacts affecting minority, low-income, and indigenous populations. These groups often face greater environmental risks from pollution, live in areas with higher pollution levels, and have limited access to the resources necessary to mitigate these impacts. The EJ Program aims to rectify this disparity, hence its importance to the mission of the EPA.