MI ENVIRONMENT
New EGLE office helps to sustain communities along the Great Lakes through the lens of Environmental Justice
Date: May 18, 2021
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The connection between Michigan and other Great Lakes communities is based not only on the region s abundant natural resources and interdependent economies, but also on the impact of those connections on the wellbeing of the area s residents.
As a region with a longstanding industrial past, its residents, particularly those in vulnerable and Environmental Justice communities, have dealt with legacy challenges for decades. Recognizing the resulting complexities, ranging from access to drinking water to residents affected by pollution, the state took action to address impacts on people across the state. In early 2019, Governor Whitmer created the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate and the role of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate.
Event to focus on rebuilding trust, reimagining justice and removing barriers
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan will address a new federal focus on environmental justice and the connection to state efforts during the inaugural Michigan Environmental Justice Conference, set for May 18-20.
The three-day virtual conference will feature environmental justice experts, advocates, and business leaders, as well as government officials. It is free to attend, but registration is required.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and EPA Administrator Regan will jointly launch the conference at the opening plenary. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will serve as the second-day keynote speaker focusing on the intersection of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities work and environmental justice in Michigan. White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Mallory will serve as the keynote s
Event to focus on rebuilding trust, reimagining justice and removing barriers
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan will address a new federal focus on environmental justice and the connection to state efforts during the inaugural Michigan Environmental Justice Conference, set for May 18-20.
The three-day virtual conference will feature environmental justice experts, advocates, and business leaders, as well as government officials. It is free to attend, but registration is required.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and EPA Administrator Regan will jointly launch the conference at the opening plenary. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will serve as the second-day keynote speaker focusing on the intersection of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities work and environmental justice in Michigan. White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Mallory will serve as the keynote s
EGLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, GreenbergJ@Michigan.gov, 517-897-4965
Guidelines promote access to department’s programs, services
The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate has released the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) first Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan.
The EGLE LEP Plan establishes department-wide guidance to ensure equity and environmental justice by providing meaningful access to programs and services for people who do not speak English as their primary language and/or who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English.
“Ensuring equitable access for all is a key tenant of environmental justice and is a priority for EGLE,” said Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate. “By providing department-wide guidance, this plan provides a broad framework for divisions and programs, which incorporates best practices, as well as elements from public
Brandy Brown, Climate and Energy Advisor, BrownB3@Michigan.gov, 517-284-6710
A panel of climate and environmental justice experts was named today to develop a justice and equity-based framework for the development and implementation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which calls for a transition to a carbon-neutral Michigan by 2050 that includes communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
The five-member Climate Justice Brain Trust will help guide the Office of Climate and Energy’s work in identifying barriers that impede environmental justice communities from realizing the benefits of the energy sector’s transition to cleaner energy sources. It will provide guidance on appropriate climate adaptation, mitigation and clean energy investments from a climate justice perspective.