To oversee the implementation of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection’s (PADEP) Environmental Justice policy.
The Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) provides a forum for protecting
the health of communities especially communities with the greatest concentration
of environmental risks. The EJAB shall
review and advise PADEP management on existing and proposed regulations and
policies that impact the environmental health of communities.
To be recognized nationally as
a leader in the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in
the process of environmental decision-making.
Objectives:
To realize this vision, The EJAB has undertaken the
following objectives:
1. To ensure that DEP maintains a proactive approach to Environmental Justice issues within the Commonwealth
2.
To eliminate any existing environmental disparities in
minority and low-income communities.
3.
To engage, educate, and empower minority and low-income
communities to become active participants in the permit review process and
compliance assistance program.
4.
To ensure equitable enforcement of regulations and
statutes, and the equitable application of internal guidance and policies
within minority and low-income communities.
5.
Increase the level of environmental monitoring in
minority and low-income communities
6.
To fill the gaps and oversee the implementation of the
EJWG consensus recommendations that were published June 2001.
7.
To identify and promote action against environmental
inequities in Pennsylvania.
8. To determine whether DEP’s current decision-making process can adequately address environmental justice issues.