President Biden Signs Executive Order to Advance Environmental Justice

Statement from EDF’s Dr. Margot Brown, SVP of Justice & Equity

(WASHINGTON – Apr. 21, 2023) “Everyone has the right to clean air and clean water, but for far too long, communities of color and low-income areas have been exposed to high levels of toxic pollution and offered the fewest resources to reduce harm. Climate change has only multiplied these threats and others, building upon existing inequities and putting those that are already vulnerable at even greater risk. 

“Advancing environmental justice is essential to combatting climate change – and accountability is essential to advance environmental justice. The executive order signed today by President Biden is an important step forward to bring a whole-of-government approach to supporting the communities impacted by historic injustices and emerging climate threats. By establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the White House, this administration can better ensure that all of the federal government will engage those living in harm’s way for a more just and prosperous future for everyone.” 

  • Dr. Margot Brown, Senior Vice President of Justice & Equity at Environmental Defense Fund 

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund

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