A key priority of EPA is to expand the conversation on environmentalism and work for environmental justice. The NEJAC's work focuses on evaluating a broad range of strategic, scientific, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and economic issues related to environmental justice.

In Fiscal Year 2016, the NEJAC will be responding to several requests for advice and recommendations:

• The NEJAC Youth Perspectives on Climate Change Work Group will convene over two years beginning March 2015, to assist the NEJAC with providing recommendations to the Agency in developing best practices for addressing climate change concerns, as highlighted from a youth perspective. Click here to read about the Work Group.

In Fiscal Year 2013, the NEJAC responded to several requests for advice and recommendations:

• The NEJAC Indigenous Peoples Work Group was convened in October 2011, to assist the NEJAC in developing advice and recommendations for EPA about how the Agency can more effectively work with federally-recognized tribes, indigenous stakeholders, and other interested parties living within and outside Indian country to address their environmental and public health concerns.

  • Charge from EPA (Fostering Environmental Justice in Indian Country, Alaska, and for Indigenous Peoples)
  • List of Indigenous Peoples Work Group Members

• The NEJAC Science and Research Work Group was convened in October 2011 to assist the NEJAC in developing advice and recommendations for EPA about research programs and the science needed to address and prevent environmental inequities. EPA's research programs recognize that such inequities may result from varying conditions of and access to environmental resources, differential life-stages and other susceptibility factors.

  • Charge from EPA (Opportunities to Investigate Environmental Health Disparities)

• The NEJAC Permitting Work Group was convened in August 2010 to assist the NEJAC in developing advice and recommendations about how the Agency can enhance environmental justice through its permitting programs. In May 2011, the NEJAC transmitted its report of advice and recommendations to the Administrator. The Work Group continues to examine Agency efforts related to environmental justice and permitting; the work group has been tasked by the NEJAC to prepare draft recommendations.

  • Charge from EPA (Incorporating Environmental Justice Concerns into Permits Under Federal Environmental Laws)

• The NEJAC Environmental Justice and Water Infrastructure Finance and Capacity Work Group will convene October 2016, to assist the NEJAC in developing advice and recommendations for the EPA on how the Agency can work with states to more effectively identify priority needs, develop tools for building community capacity, engage and educate communities, and build partnerships to address infrastructure challenges for safe and clean water.

  • Charge from EPA (Environmental Justice and Water Infrastructure Finance and Capacity)

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