Environmental Justice Policies and Actions

The California Air Resources Board (ARB/Board) is committed to making the achievement of environmental justice an integral part of its activities. State law defines environmental justice as the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

The Board approved Environmental Justice Policies and Actions (Policies) on December 13, 2001, to establish a framework for incorporating environmental justice into the ARB's programs consistent with the directives of State law. These Policies apply to all communities in California, but recognize that environmental justice issues have been raised more in the context of low-income and minority communities. A number of specific actions support each Policy. These Policies are intended to promote the fair treatment of all Californians and cover the full spectrum of ARB activities. Underlying these Policies is a recognition that we need to engage community members in a meaningful way as we carry out our activities. People should have the best possible information about the air they breathe and what is being done to reduce unhealthful air pollution in their communities. Finally, we recognize our obligation to work closely with all stakeholders--communities, environmental and public health organizations, industry, business owners, other agencies, and all other interested parties--to successfully implement these Policies.

Policies and Actions for Environmental Justice Report (PDF) English Spanish

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