All people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthy environment.
- This page, Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), is offered by
- Department of Conservation & Recreation
- Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE)
- Environmental Justice Council
Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
What is Environmental Justice and how does the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) define it?
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.
Environmental Justice (“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 EEA as an EJ population in accordance with the law. - Environmental Justice Policy of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, June 21, 2004.
DCR Programs in Environmental Justice Communities
Our focus extends beyond providing equitable access to green spaces—we are actively integrating climate resiliency and environmental stewardship into our programs and policies. Below are just some of the ways DCR is working to promote Environmental Justice and ensure that our services are accessible to all.
DCR Programs and Initiatives:
- EEA Office of Environmental Justice and Equity
- Environmental Justice Contacts Across EEA
- Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)
- Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) Office
- Environmental Justice at Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU)
- Environmental Justice at the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (OTA)
- EEA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program
- EEA Draft Standards and Guidelines Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA)
- EEA Climate Resilience Playbook: Implementation Guidance and Resources for Massachusetts Municipalities
- The Massachusetts Envirothon
- Environmental Justice Populations in Mass (StoryMap)
- MassEnviroScreen is a tool for identifying or prioritizing the most environmentally vulnerable or burdened communities in Massachusetts
- MassDEP Cumulative Impact Mapping Tool
- Massachusetts Toxics Users and Climate Vulnerability Factors
- MA DPH Environmental Justice Tool
- ResilientMass Climate and Hazards Viewer
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