Environmental Justice at MEPA

Environmental justice (EJ) is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. EJ 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.

In Massachusetts, an EJ Population means: (1) a neighborhood that meets one or more of the following criteria: (a) the annual median household income is not more than 65 percent of the statewide annual median household income; (b) minorities comprise 40 percent or more of the population; (c) 25 percent or more of households lack English language proficiency; or (d) minorities comprise 25 percent or more of the population and the annual median household income of the municipality in which the neighborhood is located does not exceed 150 percent of the statewide annual median household income; or (2) a geographic portion of a neighborhood designated by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) as an EJ Population in accordance with the law.

This page provides information on the actions the Massachusetts Environmental Policy (MEPA) Office is taking to incorporate EJ and equity into our programs, policies and activities. Information is available for both project proponents and members of the public.