Environmental Justice - University of Washingtondepts.washington.edu/envh473/Lessons/Old Lessons/Lesson15.pdf · Environmental Justice The definition -- Environmental Justice: is

Lesson 15: Environmental Justice January 28, 2008

ENV H 473: Winter Quarter 2008 1

ENV H 473: Winter 2008 2

Lesson 15. CommunitiesLesson 15. Communities

EnvironmentalJustice

Carl OsakiCarl OsakiUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of WashingtonDept. of Environmental &Dept. of Environmental &

Occupational Health SciencesOccupational Health Sciences

January 28, 2008January 28, 2008


RemindersReminders

DEOHS Seminar:Relationship between Built Environment

and Physical Activity in Rural CommunitiesHarry Papadopoulos

Assistant ProfessorDept. of Health, Human Performance and NutritionCentral Washington University

Thursday, January 31, 200812:30 - 1:20 p.m.T-435 Health Sciences Center


RemindersReminders

Focus the Nation:Join others at the UW and over a thousandcampuses across the nation in a nationalconversation: January 31, 2008

The day will be a blend of plenary talks,panel discussions, exhibitors and a"Climate Action Cafe".

An evening townhall in Kane 130 willfocus our attention on our localpoliticians.




AnnouncementsAnnouncements


CommunitiesCommunities

What constitutes a community?Can communities be differentially

favored or disadvantaged?How and why?


Environmental JusticeEnvironmental Justice

The definition -- Environmental Justice: is the “fair treatment and meaningful

involvement of all people regardless ofrace, color, national origin, or income withrespect to the development, implementa-tion, and enforcement of environmentallaws, regulations, and policies” -- Guidance Report on Environmental Justice, US EPA, 1998.




Why is EJ a Public Health Issue?Why is EJ a Public Health Issue?

Legal Responsibility – federal law says so Moral Responsibility – addressing health

disparities Root causes of health disparities

Lack of access Lack of meaningful data Lack of understanding expectations Lack of community “voice”


The DisconnectThe Disconnect

Agencies:View EJ as a process (goal is to manage

issues, analyze data, communicateinformation)

View EJ as an environmental issue

Communities:View EJ as an end (goal is to have problem

solved, to be heard, to have their concernsacknowledged)

View EJ as a social issue


Addressing the DisconnectAddressing the Disconnect

Reach common groundAgree on what EJ means Involve community in policy

developmentGet support from policy makers




Role of SBOHRole of SBOH

Raise consciousnessProvide information Incorporate EJ into workings of

government


SBOH ReportSBOH Report

Recommendations*:Conduct better agency coordination Improve agency capacity to address EJ

issues (training, partnerships, grants)Adopt EJ guidelines

http://www.doh.wa.gov/sboh


Class Discussion - EJ GuidelinesClass Discussion - EJ Guidelines

All environmental and public healthlaws and regulations are equitablyenforced in all communities.

Policymakers use a combination ofscientific evidence, traditionalknowledge, and public testimony intheir decision-making process.




Discussion Discussion –– EJ Guidelines EJ Guidelines

Businesses and industry work withcommunity and government agency partnersto reduce and prevent pollution whentechnically feasible.

All community members are given anopportunity for meaningful involvementbefore, during and after a decision-makingprocess, an environmental health action, or adiscussion pertaining to the costs andbenefits of new development


Discussion Discussion –– EJ Guidelines EJ Guidelines

Government agency priorities, strategicplanning efforts, and research agendas beshaped with input from the community.

Written and oral communication between agovernment agency and a community areconducted in the predominant language ofthat community and in a manner that isculturally appropriate to the community.


Link to Essential ServicesLink to Essential Services

Monitor environmental & health status Diagnose & investigate health problems Inform, educate & empower people Mobilize community partnerships Develop policies and plans Enforce laws and regulations Link people to health services Assure a competent workforce Evaluate effectiveness & quality Research for new insights





Question:Does meaningful involvement & fair

treatment = community feedback?



Video:Environmental Justice ConferenceDecember 2000Available from Chuck in E-179A HSB

Washington State Board of HealthEnvironmental Justice Reporthttp://www.doh.wa.gov/sboh/goals/EJustice

/EnvJustice.htm


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Documents

Environmental Justice - University of Washingtondepts.washington.edu/envh473/Lessons/Old Lessons/Lesson15.pdf · Environmental Justice The definition -- Environmental Justice: is