In addition, MassGIS has developed an Online Environmental Justice Viewer, which contains interactive pan, zoom, query, and address location functionality.

Background on Environmental Justice

EOEA has developed an EJ Policy, which directs state resources to serve the high minority, non-English speaking and low-income neighborhoods across the state. These resources will ensure that EJ populations have a strong voice in environmental decision-making, receive the full protection afforded them through existing environmental rules and regulations, and increase access to investments that will enhance quality of life in these communities by restoring degraded natural resources (21E sites), enhancing open space and building the urban park network.

Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. Environmental justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.

Please see EOEA's Environmental Justice page for more information and the EJ Populations Datalayer Description page.