Transcription of Environmental Justice Principles and Practices
1 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Environmental Justice Principles 520 Lafayette Road North and MH 55155-4194 Policy Title: Incorporating Environmental Justice Principles and Practices into Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Operations Policy Type: Environmental , Agency-wide Effective Date: ApriI30 .2008 Policy statement The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will, within its authority, ensure fair and equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all Minnespta citizens in the implementation ofenvironmental laws, rules, programs, and policies to insure that minority and economically-disadvantaged communities in Minnesota.
2 Do not bear a disproportionate share of the involuntary risks and consequences of Environmental pollution Are not denied equal access to Environmental benefits, and Have opportunities for meaningful participation in the development and implementation of Minnesota's Environmental programs. Purpose and rationale " Environmental Justice " (EJ) is a phrase and concept thatmeans many things to many people. The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Justice offers the following definition: "Thefair treatment and meaningful involvement ofall people regardless ofrace, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation.
3 Andenforcementofenvironmentallaws, regulations, andpolicies. Fairtreatmentmeansihatnogroup of people, including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic shouldbear a disproportionate share ofthe negative Environmental consequences resultingfrom industrial, municipal, and commercial operation or the execution offederal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.. This policy is intended to identify Principles and Practices to guide the MPCA commitment to integrating Environmental Justice Principles into the programs administered by the MPCA. Implementation The MPCA will employ the following strategies to help ensure that its obligations to all ofMinnesota's citizens are met.
4 Development of alliances with community organizations (representing economicaIly-disadvantaged communities or culturally-and geographically-based minority communities) to provide mput on MPCA eitvironmentaljustice plans. Development and implementation ofenvironmental Justice components for appropriate MPCA programs. Development and implementation ofadditional public participation strategies to work directly with communities to enhance publjc trust and Agency credibility, and to maintain compliance with Title VI ofthe Civil Rights Act of 1964 in Minnesota's Environmental programs. Statutory basis,. Title VI ofthe Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964; Minn.
5 Stat. (Indian Affairs Council), (Council on Affairs ofChicanolLatino People), (Council on Black Minnesotans), (Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency' 520 Lafayette Rd. N St. Paul, MN 651-296-6300 800-657-3864 TTY 651-282-5332 or 800-657-3864 Available In alternative formats
