Pat Quinn, Governor
|
|
|
||
|
Pat Quinn, Governor |
|||
|
|
News Releases - 2003Environmental Justice Policy Gets Stakeholder Input
Springfield, Ill. -- More than 30 representatives of communities and associations across the state provided assistance today on implementation of an “Environmental Justice” policy by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. “Illinois EPA is committed to implementing Governor Blagojevich’s pledge that the Agency will take a more active role in environmental justice issues and we will continue to work closely with this group and others as we move forward,” said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano. The “stakeholders” meeting held today had broad-based representation and there was a wide-ranging discussion. It will be followed by a series of regional meetings around the state later this spring. Earlier, an interim draft “Environmental Justice Policy” was posted on the IEPA web site (www.epa.state.il.us) in both English and Spanish. In addition, Director Cipriano announced that Ken Page has been appointed the Environmental Justice Officer for Illinois EPA and she directed that any issue involving environmental equity issues be referred to Ken for initial follow-up. Key goals of the interim policy include ensuring communities are not disproportionately impacted by degradation of the environment and receive an equitable share of environmental protection and benefits. Another major goal is to strengthen the public’s involvement in environmental decision-making, including permitting and regulation, and where practicable, enforcement matters. Director Cipriano noted Illinois EPA has long had an extensive community relations and outreach program but is now moving to ensure that Agency personnel use a common approach and process for addressing environmental justice issues. |
|
| Copyright © 1996-2011 Illinois EPA | Agency Site Map | Privacy Information | Kids Privacy | Web Accessibility | Agency Webmaster |
