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Definition and Policy


Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people—regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or education level—in environmental decision making. Environmental justice programs promote the protection of human health and the environment, empowerment via public participation, and the dissemination of relevant information to inform and educate affected communities. DOE environmental justice programs are designed to build and sustain community capacity for meaningful participation for all stakeholders in DOE host communities.

DOE provides leadership in addressing disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects of programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income communities.