Several screening tools have emerged to aid policy makers and project proponents in the early identification of potential environmental justice (EJ) communities. These tools also help identify key environmental indicators for consideration during the design of a project. In addition, they are useful in identifying avoidance measures and development of mitigation measures. They also help facilitate public outreach. Most notable is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) EJScreen, which was released in 2015. It has undergone considerable refinements over the years.
EJScreen was developed to provide environmental and demographic data and mapping capabilities to help identify potential areas of EJ concern. EDGE’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Air Quality Management Services (AQMS) Practices regularly utilize EJScreen as a screening tool. This helps them understand and highlight communities in a defined project area that may require further consideration during the project design. It is also useful during the permitting phase. Our NEPA Practice uses EJScreen to gather information during development of NEPA documents. This includes gathering demographic data, identifying potential environmental quality issues (including via air quality indices), and reviewing environmental and demographic indicators. Furthermore, it helps in identifying potential vulnerable areas such as schools, parks and churches. Our AQMS Practice uses EJScreen and other tools to advise clients on potential EJ issues. Then, they address these issues within the air permit application and conduct outreach to EJ communities in the surrounding areas.
A few key components of EJScreen include:
Justice 40 Initiative
The Justice 40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities, recognizing the need to prioritize those communities most affected by environmental issues. EJScreen plays a role in identifying and targeting areas where these investments are needed most.
EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities
The EPA Integrated Risk Assessment (IRA) for Disadvantaged Communities is an initiative aimed at assessing and addressing environmental and public health risks in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. The process involves conducting comprehensive risk assessments, analyzing data, and developing strategies to reduce risks. EJScreen can serve as a valuable tool in this process. It provides readily accessible data that can help identify areas with EJ concerns. Additionally, EJScreen can assist in the initial screening of communities for further assessment through the IRA process. In addition, EJScreen can help identify communities that may be at higher risk or have a history of environmental disparities. This guides the EPA’s efforts to prioritize and target resources effectively.
Tribal Lands & Indigenous Communities
EJScreen is a valuable tool in addressing EJ concerns in tribal lands and indigenous communities. It provides data-driven insights, supports community empowerment and advocacy, and helps facilitate informed decision-making. As a result, it facilitates access to the resources needed to protect these communities’ environment, cultural heritage, and public health.
Key Places
EJScreen can provide insight to the potential exposure to environmental hazards of vulnerable populations in key places such as schools, places of worship, hospitals, parks, and prisons, to prioritize mitigation efforts and inform land-use decisions.
Public Housing and Community Development
EJScreen provides necessary data such as identifying environmental hazards, assessment of cumulative impacts considering the combined effects of various stressors on residents’ health and wellbeing, and identifying areas with high EJ concerns to prioritize investments for infrastructure improvements, community services, and public health programs.
Additional Output Reports
EJScreen’s ability to generate additional output reports is a valuable feature that allows users to analyze, visualize, and share EJ data. These reports serve various purposes. For example, they support advocacy efforts, inform decision-making, and promote transparency in EJ initiatives.
State agencies are also developing their own screening tools and as these agencies gear up on EJ initiatives, addressing EJ concerns and risk may be the most crucial step in successfully obtaining approval for environmental and air permit applications. Check out what is happening in your state by clicking this link: https://ejstatebystate.org/directory.
