Environmental Justice

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.

The following is the NHDES "Statement on Environmental Justice":

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) recognizes the importance of Environmental Justice (EJ) and will work to incorporate EJ principles, including meaningful involvement and fair treatment of all New Hampshire residents, in the implementation of Agency programs and activities.

Background

The Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) defines EJ 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.” There is a body of evidence that suggests certain communities often bear a disproportionate impact from the implementation of environmental policies. These communities are more likely to experience:

• Greater exposure to environmental hazards, both outside and inside the home.
• Less access to green space, clean air and clean water.
• Less access to opportunities for involvement in policy and permitting decisions.

NHDES recognizes that environmental health disparities exist within the state. These disparities have a lasting impact on the communities in which we live and serve. Therefore, NHDES is committed to advancing EJ in New Hampshire.

Promotion of Environmental Justice at NHDES

In the absence of state laws requiring consideration of EJ, NHDES will follow expanding federal EJ requirements and guidance. NHDES will continue to watch for policy changes at the federal and state level and will encourage inclusion of EJ principles in agency practices. NHDES will encourage program changes with the goal of achieving better environmental outcomes and reducing disparities in the state’s most overburdened communities by:

• Collecting and organizing EJ resources, including EPA tools and state-specific data that can be used to inform and improve NHDES efforts.
• Attending and taking part in regional and national workgroups related to EJ.
• Promoting training and providing resources and technical assistance to NHDES staff and partners to incorporate EJ principles in NHDES’ programs.