Environmental Justice Roundtable

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell is hosting nine roundtables across the state over the next two months to meet with residents and hear their perspectives on environmental justice.

“The Office of Environmental Justice fulfills a critical role within DEP – ensuring that all Pennsylvanians, especially those who have historically been disenfranchised, are fully involved in the decisions that affect their environment,” said McDonnell. “Environmental justice embodies the principles that communities should not be disproportionally exposed to adverse environmental impacts. With these listening sessions, I want to hear how we can improve on our responsibility.”

The tour will focus on engaging residents and leaders in DEP’s decision-making process, and involving residents in communities that may not fit the traditional definition of an environmental justice area — which is based on minority population and income levels in census tracts.

Environmental Justice Listening Tour Focus Areas:

• What environmental justice concerns are most pressing in your community?
• Do you feel that the current definition of an environmental justice community (20% poverty and/or 30% minority) properly represents the needs of your community and the Commonwealth at large?
• Do you feel the DEP is engaged with marginalized communities to ensure that they have a voice in the decision making process? How can the DEP be more engaged with these communities?
• What tools have you used to find out information on DEP permitting/enforcement actions?
• What ways can the DEP be more effective at sharing information with the public?
• How can the DEP be more effective at receiving public input?
• What resource(s) is your community lacking that the DEP can provide that would assist in efforts to ensure environmental equity?
• What additional steps can be taken by the Department to effectively reach out to these vulnerable communities to ensure that their concerns are taken into consideration?

The listening sessions will take place throughout April and May. Additional details are available at http://www.dep.pa.gov/PublicParticipation/OfficeofEnvironmentalJustice/Pages/default.aspx

Learn more about the Office of Environmental Justice.

Press release regarding listening tour.