About Us

The EPA defines environmental justice as “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.” The environmental justice movement works to combat environmental racism and other oppressive systems, as it was born from decades of community mobilization, the civil rights movement and environmentalism. In combatting environmental injustices, we are working towards basic human rights and the safety and well-being of communities, as well as sustainable health equity. This work cannot be achieved without centering, uplifting and meaningfully engaging those who experience such injustices. Source: APHA

A resilient community is socially connected and has accessible health systems that are able to withstand disaster and foster community recovery. The community can take collective action after an adverse event because it has developed resources that reduce the impact of major disturbances and help protect people’s health. Resilient communities promote individual and community physical, behavioral, and social health to strengthen their communities for daily, as well as extreme, challenges. Source: ASPR

The EPA defines environmental stewardship as "the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose actions affect the environment. This sense of responsibility is a value that can be reflected through the choices of individuals, companies, communities, and government organizations, and shaped by unique environmental, social, and economic interests. It is also a behavior, one demonstrated through continuous improvement of environmental performance, and a commitment to efficient use of natural resources, protection of ecosystems, and, where applicable, ensuring a baseline of compliance with environmental requirements...it is clear that environmental stewardship can help preserve natural resources and achieve sustainable outcomes. Source: EPA