AQAW2021 Day 4: Environmental Justice Communities & Air Quality

AQAW2021 Day 4 addresses environmental justice communities, an important part of air quality awareness work.

AQAW2021 Day 4: Environmental Justice Communities & Air Quality. This image shows an all-electric, battery powered school bus. The bus helps illustrate a facet of the topic of environmental justice, namely where air pollution affects certain groups unequally, as is the case with school children who need school-provided transportation.
Electric school buses, like the one shown here, are replacing diesel- and gas-powered buses in locations throughout the country.

The U.S. EPA defines Environmental Justice (EJ) as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. This includes the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

EPA works toward achieving environmental justice for all. More specifically, They strive to ensure that all people have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, play, and work.

The EPA’s AirNow program has compiled a thorough introduction to environmental justice communities. Appropriately, the introduction offers and overview of the EPA’s work in achieving environmental justice around the country. Further, their EJSCREEN tool helps anyone interested learn where EJ communities exist and what defines them.

Visit AirNow’s AQAW2021 May 6 page for more on Environmental Justice Communities & Air Quality.