The Office of Environmental Justice was established in 2021 to ensure the fair and meaningful involvement of all people into the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies across all DEQ programs. The Office works collaboratively across DEQ to advance Environmental Justice in Virginia as well as addressing Environmental Justice concerns.

What is Environmental Justice?

The Virginia Environmental Justice Act states, “It is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote environmental justice and ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on environmental justice communities and fenceline communities.” It further defines as, “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of every person, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, faith, or disability, regarding the development, implementation, or enforcement of any environmental law, regulation, or policy.”

 

Additionally, it is a purpose of DEQ to, “To further environmental justice and enhance public participation in the regulatory and permitting processes.” 

Furthering environmental justice throughout DEQ’s programs requires building trust, shared understanding, and aligning values of all parties involved.

Goals:

  • Building capacity in EJ communities; providing communities with a stronger understanding of DEQ programs, public involvement processes, and grant and other partnership opportunities.
  • Assisting EJ community members in navigating environmental programs in Virginia.

Comment on Draft EJ Guidance

DEQ released draft guidance, Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process, for an informal comment period, which ended on May 1, 2023. This guidance creates procedures to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement throughout DEQ’s permitting processes. The guidance outlines a permit evaluation process for all permitting actions at DEQ, as well as establishes processes for further evaluation of permits of particular concern to environmental justice communities.

A formal public comment period will be held after internal review.