Final Exam: EJ

Question 1

Define Environmental Justice

Answer 1

“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 or environmental laws, regulations, and policies” (EPA)

Question 2

Define Environmental Racism

Answer 2

“Any policy, practice, or directive that differentially affects or disadvantages (whether intended or unintended) individuals, groups, or communities based on race or color” (UCC 2007)

Question 3

What are the principles of environmental justice

Answer 3

Distributive Justice, Procedural Justice, and Recognition Justice

Question 4

Describe “Sacrifice Zones”

Answer 4

Communities (typically low income or communities of color) that are put in close proximity to environmental pollutants. Putting them at higher risk of negative effects of pollution

Question 5

Describe the goal of Clinton’s Executive Order 12898 (1994)

Answer 5

Make achieving EJ part of their missions by identifying and addressing, as appropriate disproportionality high and adverse human health or environmental effects or programs, policies, and activities on minority and low income populations

Question 6

What were the strategies used in Executive order 12898 (1994)

Answer 6

1. Promote enforcement of health and environmental laws in low-income and minority areas
2. Ensure greater public participations in agency decision-making
3. Improve research and data collection associated with EJ issues
4. Identify minority and low income patterns of consumption of natural resources

Question 6

How was the Civil Rights Act - Title VI used in the context of environmental Justice

Answer 6

Title VI prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance (e.g., states,
universities, local governments) from discriminating on the basis of race,
color, or national origin in their programs or activities. It also allows persons to file administrative complaints with the federal
departments and agencies that provide financial assistance. EJ uses blocked by federal courts.

Question 7

Describe the difference between the Obama, Trump, and Biden administration’s actions on EJ.

Answer 7

Obama: EJ Plan 2014 (integrate EJ into rule making, foster attention across federal government), develop EJ Screen tool

Trump: Defund and move the EJ office in the EPA

Biden: Political appointments, executive orders, Justice40 initiative (money will be set aside for EJ communities)

Question 7

How had EJ policy and federal response evolved

Answer 7

• Executive order 12898: asking agencies to do more
• Plan EJ 2014: showing agencies how to do more
• Justice40 Initiative: directing agencies to do more