U.S. President signs executive order on environmental justice

Tags: Environment International News

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on 21st April.

An overview of the news

• The executive order directs every single federal agency to work toward environmental justice for all and improve the lives of communities hit hardest by toxic pollution and climate change.

• The order would establish a new Office of Environmental Justice within the White House that aims to coordinate the government's efforts.

• Federal agencies will work to notify communities when a toxic substance is released from a federal facility.

• Disasters such as the February derailment of a freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, have drawn attention to environmental damage from hazardous chemical spills.

What is environmental justice?

• Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful participation of all people, regardless of race, color or income, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.