Environment DEC
From the October 2003 issue
Firsthand Lessons in Environmental Justice
DEC staff from various divisions around the state had the opportunity this summer to learn about environmental justice (EJ) issues in neighborhoods in or near their hometown.
DEC's Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) conducted three training sessions to introduce staff to the EJ Program and educate them on the requirements of Commissioner's Policy 29 Environmental Justice and Permitting. Staff trainers included Environmental Justice Coordinator Monica Abreu, Jeff Gregg from the Division of Environmental Permits in the Central Office, and Michelle Moore from the Division of Environmental Permits in Region 2.
Aaron Mair (center, blue shirt, black tie),
Chair of the Arbor Hill Environmental
Justice Corp. in Albany, leads DEC staff
through the Arbor Hill area to
discuss environmental justice issues
in that neighborhood
Environmental justice is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including a racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.
Walking tours were combined with
interactive, indoor training sessions
for a complete look at EJ
policy requirements
The Training
The training was a highly interactive two-day course developed by the National Environmental Justice Training Collaborative and modified by OEJ to incorporate EJ information relevant to New York State. Attendees left the training with an increased awareness of, and sensitivity to, EJ issues. This greater understanding will enable DEC to better carry out its EJ mission.
A transfer station in the community
of Williamsburg, Brooklyn was part
of the New York City EJ site tour
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the interactive format, and even had some fun. In particular, staff valued the community-led tours of minority and low-income neighborhoods where they saw firsthand the necessity of environmental justice programs.
