Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 2, 2023

In March, one of the most comprehensive bills for advancing environmental justice was reintroduced in the US House and Senate: the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act (EJ for All Act). McEachin, who passed away last November, was a lifelong advocate for social and environmental justice in my home state of Virginia.

Air Pollution 327

Air Pollution Clean Air Act Clean Water Act Fossil Fuels 327

Law and Environment

JUNE 3, 2022

In an effort to “redress inequities in [Federal] policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity,” the Biden administration has set forth an agenda to identify areas of improvement and advance equity across the Federal Government. Improve Engagement with Tribal Communities. Data Collection.

Government 130

Government Environmental Protection 2022 Regulations 130

Law and Environment

OCTOBER 12, 2022

Federal agencies continue to roll out plans to address environmental justice issues, which has become a focal point in the Biden administration’s agenda. Now that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) is in effect, federal agencies are now able to access more funds to address environmental justice concerns.

2022 130

2022 Environmental Protection Law 2021 130

Union of Concerned Scientists

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

This guidance has been solicited from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Interamerican Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), and International Court of Justice (ICJ). Which courts are expected to issue Advisory Opinions?

Climate Change 210

Climate Change Fossil Fuels Law Government 210

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 24, 2023

This dire state of affairs is just one of the reasons why the Republic of Vanuatu and more than 100 other nations have drafted a resolution asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an advisory opinion on climate change. An ICJ advisory opinion could clarify many of the climate justice issues my work identifies.

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Paris Agreement Sea Level Climate Change Law 265

Union of Concerned Scientists

AUGUST 8, 2023

This model of clean energy access has the potential to address some of the equity gaps in our transition to a cleaner grid. One of these equity gaps has been rural and farming communities, which are often also disadvantaged communities in California. Does community solar on agricultural land make sense?

Clean Energy 226

Clean Energy Electricity Fossil Fuels Solar Power 226

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 19, 2023

The experience was extremely valuable and I recommend it, especially if you are someone like me who works on environmental justice issues but doesn’t live in a frontline community. The experience started the day before the tour with a reception where the Evening Social Podcast hosted a discussion with environmental justice leaders.

Air Pollution 183

Air Pollution Clean Energy Fossil Fuels Ozone 183

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 6, 2022

Agroecology offers significant opportunities to holistically address numerous agricultural challenges —including climate change, soil degradation and erosion, water and air pollution, and biodiversity loss—while supporting human health, racial equity, and food justice. Let’s expand these priorities in the Farm Bill, too.

Climate Change 194

Climate Change Air Pollution 2016 2019 194

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 2, 2024

A study in 2022 showed that 79 of 129 US transit agencies assessed had little to no mention of gender or gender equity on their agency materials. Petroleum refineries that produce gasoline pose serious environmental justice issues, and come with air and water quality hazards that disproportionately harm women’s health.

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2024 Air Pollution 2022 Climate Change 305

Environmental News Bits

AUGUST 23, 2023

Yet while the connections between foodwaste and sustainability and resilience are clear, its link to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion(JEDI) issues can often be harder to discern – … Continue reading Building a Food System That Works for Everyone: A Look at the Intersection of Food Waste with Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (..)

Waste 74

Waste 74

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 2, 2023

The recommendations are sweeping—they span across USDA programs and address the services the department provides to farmers, farmworkers, and consumers, while also tackling institutional issues within the department itself and its support for food and agricultural research. But are they enough?

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Conservation 2010 Law 2022 175

PA Environment Daily

AUGUST 23, 2023

ReImagine Appalachia’s Faith in Action group organized a webinar this past Spring entitled Environmental Justice for All : Ensuring Equity and Benefits Across Our Most Climate-Impacted Communities. All of our voices must be heard. 16; Public Comments Accepted Thru Oct. 16; Public Comments Accepted Thru Oct. Hutchinson, Rep.

Natural Gas 97

Natural Gas Regulations 2023 97

Union of Concerned Scientists

MARCH 24, 2023

For the first time, the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—the world’s highest court—may be ruling on climate change. But what is the ICJ, and how can an opinion from this court, known as an advisory opinion, pave a pathway for climate justice? What is the International Court of Justice?

Climate Change 256

Climate Change Law Paris Agreement Fossil Fuels 256

Union of Concerned Scientists

MAY 10, 2023

Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA)—focused on the following key messages: The next food and farm bill should center equity and racial justice. GFFA members work together to transform our food system through collaborative planning, community engagement, and policy advocacy.

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2023 221

PA Environment Daily

DECEMBER 19, 2023

The latest Environmental Justice Update from the Department of Environmental Protection includes a quick summary of just some of the comments made on the revised Environmental Justice Permit Review Policy and highlights upcoming funding opportunities, public participation and educational opportunities.

Natural Gas 103

Natural Gas Environmental Protection 2024 2023 103

Union of Concerned Scientists

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

The right to a stable environment is also recognized in select jurisdictions across the world even though the US Department of Justice so far continues to contend that there is “no [federal] constitutional right to a stable climate.” The highest court in Hawai’i ruled similarly in March, recognizing the human right to a stable environment.

Climate Change 286

Climate Change Sea Level Fossil Fuels 2008 286

Legal Planet

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

In total, the Strategic Plan addresses impacts on and strategies for three groups: fishermen, environmental justice and underserved communities, and tribal nation members. This may be because tribal communities have been more vocal up to this point about this issue.

Ocean 162

Ocean Fossil Fuels Air Pollution Government 162

Union of Concerned Scientists

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Two decades after the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) redefined the term “scientific integrity,” the White House issued its first-ever scientific integrity policy in May as a model for all government agencies and departments to protect federal scientists from political interference. It was a long time coming.

Politics 221

Politics Government Law Fossil Fuels 221

Union of Concerned Scientists

DECEMBER 20, 2022

We hope you take not only inspiration from this conversation, but also action to support the work of Eastie Farm and similar organizations, and to advocate for policy changes that promote sustainability and equity in our food and farm system. We, the community of East Boston, are an environmental and climate justice community.

Climate Change 208

Climate Change Greenhouse 2015 Natural Gas 208

Environmental News Bits

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

. “A Review of Environmental Gentrification Ills and the “Just Green Enough” Approach: on Achieving Justice, Sustainability, and Equity.” ” International Journal of Community Well-Being.

2023 40

2023 40

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 11, 2023

In 2019 when Pacific Gas & Electric Company issued power shutoffs in California in an attempt to mitigate wildfire risks and promote public safety, Robert Mardis Sr. , Energy storage incentives need to include both equity provisions as well as immediate savings that can help alleviate upfront costs.

Clean Energy 214

Clean Energy Solar Power Electricity Technology 214

Clean Energy Law

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

After revising its application to address environmental justice concerns from public commentors, Louisiana received EPA’s approval for primacy in December 2023, effective on February 5, 2024. This extension addresses the potential for liability issues to arise decades after a project’s completion.

Carbon Dioxide 130

Carbon Dioxide Regulations 2024 2023 130

Law and Environment

AUGUST 17, 2022

The Biden administration has made it a priority to target environmental justice issues as part of the administration’s broader economic agenda. A small but potentially mighty component of the Act focuses on strengthening environmental justice. Allocated $32.5 Allocated $1.10

Air Pollution 130

Air Pollution Pollution Control 2005 Carbon Emissions 130

Legal Planet

DECEMBER 15, 2021

When former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory J. Justice Hobbs’ connections with Berkeley Law run deep. Watch the California Colloquium on Water talk Justice Hobbs gave following that introduction, on “The Role of Climate on Water Institutions in the Western Americas,” here.) . Getting to know Justice Hobbs.

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2013 Law 2012 2006 237

Law Columbia

APRIL 27, 2023

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is inviting all U.N. Member States to submit their views on the legal issues relevant to climate duties and obligations. The status report is part of the Youth Climate Justice Handbook , organized by the World’s Youth for Climate Justice and the Pacific Students Fighting Climate Change.

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Climate Change Law 2023 2024 100

Legal Planet

DECEMBER 18, 2023

Evan George highlights the complexities of groundwater management issues in California and amplifies the voices of local residents. Decarbonization ordinances and equity The hard work of electrifying our buildings and phasing out gas infrastructure was on full display. Last term, the justices’ decision in Sackett v.

2023 289

2023 Climate Change Law Politics 289

Union of Concerned Scientists

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

But I had no idea I’d have the hands-on opportunity to combine cross media and social justice concepts to help implement a policy aimed at advancing environmental justice (EJ) and more inclusive decisionmaking. That’s essentially the way most environmental protections work, addressing one issue at a time.

Environmental Protection 218

Environmental Protection Government 2009 Law 218

Legal Planet

MARCH 19, 2023

The case before the Supreme Court raises two key issues: 1) whether the Navajo Nation can state a viable claim for breach of the federal government’s trust duties to the Nation, based on the Nation’s as-yet-unquantified, implied rights to water as affirmed by the Supreme Court in its iconic 1909 Winters v. Supreme Court review.

Government 240

Government 2003 Law Natural Resources 240

Legal Planet

AUGUST 30, 2021

It used to be that the Supreme Court’s most important rulings were decided after full briefing, oral argument in open court, and thorough deliberation by the Justices. Today, however, the Court often reaches out to decide major issues when one of the parties requests “emergency” relief from a lower court ruling.

Regulations 246

Regulations Politics Government Law 246

Legal Planet

JULY 29, 2021

This is not only a major step forward for the state; it should also clear the path to closer collaboration among Washington State, Oregon, and California on climate issues. Utilities must convene advisory groups containing representatives of environmental justice and low income communities. It is here.

Fossil Fuels 264

Fossil Fuels Clean Energy Renewable Energy Electricity 264

Union of Concerned Scientists

APRIL 4, 2023

For many years now, my professional life has revolved around food security, and often, that’s included the food and farm bill—that behemoth piece of legislation Congress produces every few years to address a multitude of domestic agricultural and nutrition issues. We’ve spent the past few months fine-tuning our list of goals for the bill.

2023 205

2023 Climate Change Conservation Government 205

Legal Planet

JULY 21, 2021

Today, I’ll start with the two key components of climate policy that scholars and policymakers have primarily focused on: efficiency and equity. More than equity versus efficiency. Equity might be important as well – and of course, climate raises all sorts of challenging and important equity issues that policymakers have to address.

Politics 130

Politics Climate Change Fossil Fuels Greenhouse 130

Environmental News Bits

MAY 31, 2022

Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship recently published a three-part series about science librarianship and social justice. Each part includes a short discussion of foundational, intermediate, and advanced concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Technology 75

Technology Technology 75

Legal Planet

OCTOBER 26, 2023

CARB has justified its decision to issue lucrative credits to industrial dairies that construct anaerobic digester systems to capture dairy methane––despite years of pushback from environmental justice communities––through a basic anchoring premise: there is no alternative. But CARB has the opportunity to change course now.

Regulations 295

Regulations Greenhouse Clean Air Act Politics 295

Legal Planet

AUGUST 29, 2023

The series will dive into the material, financial, and equity concerns prompting the law, the practical design challenges for its implementation, and the ideological divisions between its supporters and critics. The fixed charges must: Reasonably reflect an appropriate portion of the different costs of serving small and large customers.

Electricity 236

Electricity Law 2024 Conservation 236

PA Environment Daily

OCTOBER 24, 2023

Environmental Protection Agency announced $5,328,827 in grants to fund eight projects across Pennsylvania that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

Environmental Protection 70

Environmental Protection Air Pollution Government 2023 70

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 26, 2024

The comment praises NIH for assigning efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to high-level officials, but highlights reports indicating NIH investigations into grantees’ spending and disclosures have led to the profiling and silencing of Asian American scientists and the chilling of collaboration between scientists in the US and China.

Regulations 188

Regulations Clean Air Act Sea Level Politics 188