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Workshop Goals

Environmental Justice A Workshop Presented by the National Office of Job Corps for the Civil Rights Center Annual Conference U.S. Department of Labor September 2011 . Workshop Goals. Describe Environmental Justice – definition, objectives, history, and related areas

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Workshop Goals

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  1. Environmental JusticeA Workshop Presented by the National Office of Job Corpsfor theCivil Rights Center Annual ConferenceU.S. Department of LaborSeptember 2011

  2. Workshop Goals • Describe Environmental Justice – definition, objectives, history, and related areas • Key participants in the environmental justice arena • How does Job Corps impact environmental justice: Job Training, Community Involvement • How are Youth being reached and affected through the advancement of environmental justice

  3. What Is Environmental Justice? Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. (Official Definition - EPA) The concept behind the term "environmental justice" is that all people – regardless of their race, color, nation or origin or income – are able to enjoy equally high levels of environmental protection. (California Energy Commission) A condition of environmental justice exists when environmental risks and hazards and investments and benefits are equally distributed with a lack of discrimination, whether direct or indirect, at any jurisdictional level; and when access to environmental investments, benefits, and natural resources are equally distributed; and when access to information, participation in decision making, and access to justice in environment-related matters are enjoyed by all. (Central and Eastern European Workshop on Environmental Justice [2003]) Environmental justice seeks to ensure that physical environments are healthy for all people and that environmental resources and challenges are fairly distributed. (Yours truly )

  4. Environmental Justice Objectives • Identify environmental risk/exposure areas • Determine proximity of risk to populations that may be affected • Provide awareness, action, support, advocacy, monitoring, and follow-up for populations that may need assistance

  5. Environmental Justice History • 1982 – Warren County, NC: PCB-contaminated waste landfill in Shocco Township • 1986 – Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act enacted • 1987 - Scientific studies released • 1990 – Bullard’s “Dumping in Dixie” released • 1990 – University of Michigan conference; USEPA held first Workgroup in Environmental Equity

  6. Environmental Justice History (Continued) • 1992: USEPA establishes Office of Environmental Equity • 1994: Executive Order 12898 signed by President Clinton • (1996): Erin Brockovich wins case against Pacific Gas and Electric Company • 1990’s: Environmental Justice organizations emerge: Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, Coalition Against Environmental Racism

  7. Key Participants in the Environmental Justice Arena • Deep South Center for Environmental Justice • Environmental Justice Foundation • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Tulane University (Environmental Law Clinic) • Center for Health, Environment and Justice • Dr. Robert Bullard • Greenaction, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Friends of the Earth

  8. National Priority: Jobs • “Green economy” • “Green” skills demand - Existing industries are being updated to incorporate new practices and new materials - New industries are offering job opportunities for skilled workers

  9. New Job Skills • Example: City of Miami Brownfield Remediation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPcBA1rsHPM

  10. Youth - Front and Center Job Corps has updated its career training programs and added new ones that help meet the needs of the green economy and employ young workers in good jobs in: • Construction trades • Automotive • Advanced Electrical – Smart Metering • Other areas

  11. Job Corps’ Green Job Skills Training Presentation by Mr. Jeff Schmedeke National Office of Job Corps Division of Education Services

  12. Youth Programs and Outreach • Job Corps • Environmental Protection Agency • Local School Systems and Universities • Community Groups • Advocacy Groups

  13. School-Based Outreach • Example: Anacostia River Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Huf5etnIy0

  14. Group Discussions Group breakouts (10-20 minutes) What ideas does your group have in terms of how to advance environmental justice and environmental awareness via new and existing programs?

  15. Group Report-Outs Spokesperson for each group will report out on discussion ideas

  16. Wrap-Up • EJ awareness • EJ objectives • EJ opportunities for youth - job skills - community involvement - expanded academic interest - personal enrichment - greener environment

  17. Other Supporting Organizations EPA Office of Environmental Justice: www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ EPA Office of Environmental Education: www.epa.gov/environmentaleducation/ Environmental Justice Foundation www.ejfoundation.org Center for Health, Environment and Justice www.chej.org

  18. Presenters’ Contact Information National Office of Job Corps U.S. Department of Labor Andrea Kyle kyle.andrea@dol.gov Jeff Schmedeke schmedeke.jeff@dol.gov

  19. Thank You “There are no passengers on spaceship Earth – we are all crew.” -Marshall McLuhan, 1964

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