The disbandment of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) by the Trump administration has sparked concerns among former members and experts in the field of environmental justice. NEJAC, which provided advice and counsel to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for over 30 years, played a crucial role in ensuring that EPA policies were equitable, effective, and reflected the needs of at-risk communities.
Dr. Ben Pauli, a professor from Flint, Michigan, joined NEJAC in 2019, hoping to bring lessons from the Flint water crisis to the national level. Pauli served on various workgroups within NEJAC, including one focused on toxic PFAS chemicals, which have become a major concern nationwide. Pauli also led a subgroup on municipal utilities, drawing from his experiences in Flint. He emphasized the importance of NEJAC in advising EPA on improving communication with environmental justice communities and involving the public in decision-making processes.
Yvonka Hall, executive director of the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition, joined NEJAC in 2022 after submitting public comments on lead issues in Cleveland. Hall co-chaired the Farmworkers and Pesticides Workgroup and was a member of the Cumulative Impacts Workgroup. She highlighted the importance of learning from other regions and advocating for farmworkers, who often face health disparities due to pesticide exposure. Hall shared stories of farmworkers who had lost family members to cancer and emphasized the need for better information and support for vulnerable communities.
The dissolution of NEJAC has left a void in the advisory process at EPA, with former members concerned about the loss of expertise and public engagement opportunities. Despite this setback, experts like Pauli and Hall are determined to continue their work in promoting environmental justice and reducing toxic exposures in vulnerable populations. They are exploring other avenues to make their voices heard and ensure that the EPA continues to prioritize the health and safety of all communities, regardless of race, income, or educational level.
“All the work they’re doing is to make sure that we have food on our tables when many of them don’t have food on their own tables,” she said. “Listening to their stories about instructions not being written in a language that they understood, or mixing different chemicals together in big tubs, being told that it’s safe and later finding out it was unsafe.” These poignant words from a dedicated environmental justice advocate highlight the disparity and challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing safe and healthy environments.
One such advocate is Hall, who prioritizes supporting small community organizations to ensure equitable distribution of grants and resources. As a member of the NEJAC, she played a crucial role in advising on the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center grants, ensuring that funding reaches the communities where it is most needed. For Hall, being part of the NEJAC was an opportunity to empower underrepresented communities and make a tangible impact on funding allocation.
Dignity and jobs for cities
Richard Mabion, founder of Building A Sustainable Earth Community, joined the NEJAC to advocate for job training and workforce development for low-income communities. His focus on creating opportunities for economic empowerment and dignity resonates with his commitment to ensuring that marginalized populations have access to meaningful employment. Mabion’s advocacy within the NEJAC led to discussions on removing barriers for community-based organizations in grant processes and emphasizing hands-on job training in grant-funded projects.
Participating in the Cumulative Impacts Workgroup, Mabion highlighted the importance of incorporating real-life experiences and perspectives in government decision-making processes. By sharing his own challenges and successes in Kansas City, he underscored the need for sustainable and inclusive programs that prioritize community well-being and economic stability. Mabion’s contributions to the NEJAC exemplify the vital role of grassroots organizations in shaping environmental justice policies.
Closing the gap between governments and their constituents
Ximena Cruz Cuevas, a passionate environmental advocate at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, brought her dedication to bridging the gap between government agencies and the communities they serve to the NEJAC. Drawing from her experience in wetland restoration and community outreach, Cuevas emphasized the importance of effective communication and accountability in addressing environmental concerns.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests, Cuevas recognized the interconnected nature of social justice and environmental issues, prompting her to establish an EJ work group within her agency. Serving on the NEJAC allowed her to collaborate with leaders from diverse backgrounds and share insights on addressing systemic inequities. By participating in the Title VI workgroup, Cuevas advocated for anti-discrimination measures and highlighted the need for inclusive and accessible civil rights processes.
Through her work on the NEJAC, Cuevas engaged with farmworkers’ stories and learned valuable lessons on systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted by environmental injustices, Cuevas contributed to a more inclusive and responsive approach to environmental policy-making. Her commitment to promoting equity and participation in environmental decision-making exemplifies the transformative impact of community-driven advocacy.
Addressing the Needs of Communities: A Look at NEJAC’s Impact
During her time on the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC), Dr. Lynn Zender focused on addressing the pressing needs of communities, particularly in tribal and rural areas. She emphasized the importance of housing, access to healthy food, living wages, and wealth-building opportunities as key priorities for these communities. While her tenure on NEJAC may have come to an end, Zender remains dedicated to advocating for these critical issues.
Zender, who leads the Zender Environmental Health and Research Group in Alaska, has a wealth of experience working with rural communities to address environmental health disparities. She highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural populations, such as limited access to medical care, inadequate housing, and contaminated food sources from hunting, fishing, and farming activities. These factors contribute to heightened health risks and underscore the need for targeted interventions.
One of Zender’s key takeaways from her time on NEJAC was the collaborative and dedicated nature of the council members. She was impressed by the depth of knowledge and commitment to serving all communities in the United States. Zender emphasized the importance of elevating the voices of rural and tribal communities at a national level, ensuring that their specific needs and concerns are taken into account.
Despite the challenges posed by the dismissal of NEJAC, Zender remains optimistic about the potential for continued advocacy and impact. She stressed the importance of preserving the work of NEJAC and other organizations that are working to address environmental justice issues. By leveraging the expertise and insights of dedicated individuals like Zender, we can continue to push for better policies at the state and federal levels.
Preserving NEJAC’s Legacy
The work of NEJAC and its members is invaluable in addressing environmental justice issues and advocating for vulnerable communities. While the council may no longer be in operation, the legacy of its recommendations and insights must be preserved. Organizations and individuals can work together to ensure that the valuable data and documents produced by NEJAC are not lost.
It is essential to continue the fight for environmental justice, even in the face of a challenging political climate. By joining campaigns like Save Science Now, individuals can play a crucial role in holding the administration accountable and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of all communities. Together, we can build on the work of NEJAC and make meaningful progress towards a more just and sustainable future.
