President Biden Signs Executive Order to Advance Environmental Justice

(WASHINGTON – Apr. 21, 2023) “Everyone has the right to clean air and clean water, but for far too long, communities of color and low-income areas have been exposed to high levels of toxic pollution and offered the fewest resources to reduce harm. Climate change has only multiplied these threats and others, building upon existing inequities and putting those that are already vulnerable at even greater risk. 

“Advancing environmental justice is essential to combatting climate change – and accountability is essential to advance environmental justice. The executive order signed today by President Biden is an important step forward to bring a whole-of-government approach to supporting the communities impacted by historic injustices and emerging climate threats. By establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the White House, this administration can better ensure that all of the federal government will engage those living in harm’s way for a more just and prosperous future for everyone.” 

• Dr. Margot Brown, Senior Vice President of Justice & Equity at Environmental Defense Fund