What is Environmental Justice?
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 Population” is defined by the Environmental Justice Policy, issued by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs in 2017, and updated in June, 2021, as
(A) a neighborhood that meets 1 or more of the following criteria:
- the annual median household income is not more than 65 per cent of the statewide annual median household income;
- (minorities comprise 40 per cent or more of the population;
- 25 per cent or more of households lack English language proficiency; or
- minorities comprise 25 per cent or more of the population and the annual median household income of the municipality in which the neighborhood is located does not exceed 150 per cent of the statewide annual median household income; or
(B) a geographic portion of a neighborhood designated by the Secretary as an environmental justice population in accordance with law.
EEA's EJ MapViewer displays Environmental Justice block groups within Massachusetts.
Civil Rights and Non-Discrimination: EEA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, income, ethnicity, class, handicap, religious creed or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, English language proficiency or ancestry in administration of its programs or activities, and, it does not retaliate against or intimidate any individual because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 and all other applicable federal and state civil rights and non-discrimination laws and regulations.
Additional Resources
EJ MapViewer
The environmental justice map viewer is an interactive map that displays the 2020 EJ block groups, based upon demographic criteria developed by the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). Environmental Justice block groups are shaded in seven different colors depending on the demographics of the community.
Environmental Justice Strategy
MDAR is excited to share the release of the Environmental Justice Strategy (MDAR’s Chapter begins on page 72). We would like to thank the thoughtful, honest feedback received from partner farmers and organizations throughout the public comment period. Your comments shaped the final version of MDAR’s Environmental Justice Strategy, and we are ready to implement the ambitious actions presented within.
Who contributed to the drafting of this document?
While MDAR outlined an initial draft, the final draft is based on the multitude of comments received during a public comment period that ran until February 2023. MDAR’s EJ Task Force analyzed, incorporated, and responded to comments received, and re-drafted the strategy accordingly.
How will I know when MDAR makes progress on the goals outlined in the Environmental Justice Strategy?
MDAR will publicize progress on the actions within the Environmental Justice Strategy in the following ways:
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Starting in December 2024, the EJ Office will release an annual progress report.
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MDAR sends quarterly updates on progress made on key actions identified in the Environmental Justice Strategy through its Environmental Justice Newsletter (see section Environmental Justice Progress and Initiatives). Subscribe here, and view past issues here.
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MDAR will be launching an online transparency effort so that interested farmers and organizations can view our progress on these important metrics and objectives.
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MDAR’s EJ Team is open to attending partner organization meetings. Please get in touch if you would like us to present and hear from you on MDAR’s EJ Program and progress.
I wasn’t able to provide input into the Environmental Justice Strategy, how can I provide feedback now?
MDAR adopts a model of continuous feedback, and tracks important input on our programs and services. To provide anonymous (or non anonymous) feedback on MDAR’s Environmental Justice work, please complete this survey. EEA will revisit and update the EJ Strategy every three years.
If you have any questions about the Environmental Justice Strategy and how it will be implemented, please contact Rebecca Davidson at Rebecca.Davidson@Mass.gov.
Environmental Justice Draft Strategy and Translated Versions
The 2022 Draft Environmental Justice Strategy is available in the following languages for public comment:
English | Español | Português | 中国人 | Kreyòl ayisyen |
Tiếng Việt | عربي | ខ្មែរ | Русский | Kriolu
Request for paper copies in the above languages can be submitted by email to ej.inquiries@mass.gov or submitted in writing to:
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge St., Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Attn: Caroline Lemoine, Deputy Director of EJ for External Stakeholder Coordination
Past Environmental Justice Policies
The 2017 Environmental Justice Policy is available in:
Translation and Interpretation Requests
MDAR can provide translations of public documents, as well as interpretation services for public meetings (in-person or virtual) upon request. Requests can be submitted in the following ways:
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Fill out the Request Translation of a Document Form
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Email MDAR’s EJ Team: Rebecca.Davidson@Mass.gov or Olivia.Palmer@Mass.gov
Upcoming MDAR Language Access Plan:
In an effort to increase language access across the department, MDAR is currently working to release a Language Access Plan (“LAP”), which will soon be made publicly available on this webpage.
The LAP strives to eliminate barriers for Limited English Proficient (“LEP”) persons to access existing language services and ensure that all staff can assist LEP constituents in accessing those resources. The LAP centralizes language access materials for staff and outlines the regular trainings for new hires.
Click here to view a draft of the Language Access Plan. If you have any feedback or questions, you can fill out this feedback form or reach out to Rebecca.Davidson@Mass.gov or Olivia.Palmer@Mass.gov.
Get in Touch!
Environmental Justice Newsletter:
Sign up for our EJ newsletter to receive updates on MDAR's environmental justice activities. Click here to view past issues.
To view MDAR's February 2024 EJ newsletter in celebration of Black History Month, click here.
Farm and Market Report:
MDAR also sends The Farm and Market Report, a bi-monthly newsletter which includes the Commissioner's Column, program and grant updates, workshop and educational updates, USDA News, along with a Calendar and Classified section. We encourage anyone interested in Massachusetts agriculture to subscribe to the Report here. To learn more about the Farm and Market Report and view past issues, visit their website.
If you would like to contribute dates, workshops, notices, ag-related information for future Reports, please send requests to Richard.LeBlanc@mass.gov.
Feedback Form:
If you would like to submit anonymous (or non-anonymous feedback), complete this form.
MDAR's EJ Point Person is Rebecca Davidson, who can be reached at Rebecca.Davidson@mass.gov or 857-202-7699.
Additional Resources
Environmental Justice Complaints
For any environmental justice concerns, complaints, compliments, or ideas, please send an email to: EJ.inquiries@mass.gov. For additional assistance, please contact the EEA Office of Environmental Justice and Equity at the following contact information below:
María Belén Power
Undersecretary of Environmental Justice and Equity
EEA Office of Environmental Justice and Equity
100 Cambridge Street, 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Email: MariaBelen.Power@mass.gov
(617) 797-5828
Crystal A. Johnson
Assistant Secretary of Environmental Justice
EEA Office of Environmental Justice and Equity
100 Cambridge Street, 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Email: Crystal.A.Johnson@mass.gov
(857) 505-1254
Caroline Lemoine
Deputy Director of Environmental Justice
EEA Office of Environmental Justice and Equity
100 Cambridge Street, 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Email: Caroline.lemoine@mass.gov
(857) 378-1703
Federal Laws and Executive Orders
Massachusetts Executive Order on Environmental Justice:
The Executive Order 552 was issued on November 25th, 2014 requiring Secretariats to take action in promoting environmental justice.
Enhancing Access to Information
In order to enhance equitable access to information, MDAR has published a booklet and flyers that provide an overview of agency programs and services. These materials are available upon request, and are translated into several languages.
To order printed materials, please contact Olivia Palmer at Olivia.Palmer@Mass.gov or Rebecca Davidson at Rebecca.Davidson@Mass.gov.
Additional Resources
| Date published: | December 20, 2022 |
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| Last updated: | December 20, 2022 |