Five federal departments have come together to reaffirm their shared commitment to uphold civil rights laws and advance environmental justice in communities across the United States. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, along with officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Housing and Urban Development, jointly expressed their dedication to this important cause.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the department's commitment to enforcing federal civil rights laws to address environmental racism and underinvestment in communities of color. Clarke stated, “We will continue to drive a whole-of-government approach in the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in our country.”
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Program Implementation Marianne Engelman-Lado of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights highlighted the EPA's mission to integrate justice, equity, and civil rights for communities that have not fully benefited from the agency's progress. Engelman-Lado affirmed, “We are committed to the enforcement of civil rights to address environmental injustice.”
Director Melanie Fontes Rainer of the HHS Office for Civil Rights stressed the importance of ensuring that all communities are safe and free from environmental hazards, regardless of race or zip code. Rainer stated, “Communities of color have historically been subject to environmental injustice and deserve the full attention of the federal government through the enforcement of our laws.”
The DOT Departmental Office of Civil Rights, represented by Director Irene Marion, acknowledged the role of transportation in personal and environmental health. Marion expressed the department's commitment to leveraging its authority and resources to ensure transportation systems that are safe, efficient, and accessible for all.
Officer Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia of the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties emphasized the importance of education, technical assistance, and enforcement of civil rights laws in advancing environmental justice. Wadhia stated, “We are committed to working with recipients and communities toward achieving environmental justice.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria McCain of HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity reiterated the department's commitment to enforcing fair housing and civil rights laws that advance environmental justice. McCain emphasized the importance of ensuring that all neighborhoods and communities are healthy, safe, and resilient places where residents can thrive.
In their joint statement, the federal departments reaffirmed their commitment to using all applicable civil rights laws to advance environmental justice and ensure compliance with these important laws. They also reminded recipients that civil rights obligations are separate and distinct from other obligations, including those related to environmental laws.
For more information about the Civil Rights Division’s work to uphold and protect civil rights, individuals can visit justice.gov/crt. Complaints regarding discriminatory practices can be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at civilrights.justice.gov.