Biden Creates Office of Environmental Justice, Directs Agencies to Address Pollution Burdens on Minorities

President Biden signed an executive order creating an Office of Environmental Justice to coordinate federal efforts.
The order requires agencies to utilize data and science to understand and mitigate the cumulative impacts of pollution on overburdened communities.
Agencies must inform nearby communities about releases of toxic substances and review their environmental justice programs.
The administration will publish the first Environmental Justice Scorecard to track progress.
Biden condemned Republicans for favoring the fossil fuel industry over public health and protecting minorities affected by pollution.