The Secretary of Transportation has signed a policy statement on Reducing Negative Impacts of Transportation Projects on Communities with Environmental Justices Concerns (Including Disadvantaged Communities and Communities with Significant Transportation Insecurities).
The policy statement was issued as of June 20, 2024, to reaffirm that it is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s policy to maximize use of resources to:
Facilitate delivery of projects that will provide benefits to communities with Environmental Justice (EJ) concerns.
Adequately analyze the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of proposed projects on the health, environment, safety, and resiliency of communities with EJ concerns in the environmental review process.
Consider best available science and information on any disparate health effects (including risks) arising from exposure to pollution and other environmental hazards, including information related to the race, national origin, socioeconomic status, age, disability, and sex of the individuals exposed.
Provide opportunities for early and meaningful involvement in the environmental review process by communities with environmental justice concerns potentially affected by a proposed action.
Maximize the use of resources to facilitate delivery of projects that will provide benefits to communities with EJ concerns.
This policy statement confirms the Department’s commitment to both increase benefits and reduce harms experienced by communities with EJ concerns.
Comments