Frequently Asked Questions
What is NOAA Fisheries’ Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy?
NOAA Fisheries’ Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy provides a framework to incorporate Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy into our daily activities. It identifies step-down implementation plans at the regional level; seeks to remove barriers to equity and environmental justice; and seeks to promote equity in all we do at NOAA Fisheries.
How are you defining ‘equity’?
As defined in Executive Order 13985, equity means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
How are you defining ‘environmental justice’?
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies including but not limited to:
- Equitable protection from environmental and health hazards;
- Equitable access to decision-making processes;
- Equitable opportunity for disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized.
How are you defining ‘underserved communities’?
Underserved communities have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life. These include geographic communities as well as populations sharing a particular characteristic such as: women and girls; Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color; persons facing discrimination or barriers related to gender identity; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
Who/what are the driving forces behind the development of the national strategy?
NOAA Fisheries’ Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy builds on executive orders promoting equity, recommendations from the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, action items from the Department of Commerce Equity Action Plan, and guidance from the NOAA Climate Council. In addition, this strategy is driven by strong support from NOAA Fisheries’ leadership, enthusiastic staff participation, and a clear and growing need from underserved communities.
Is this strategy a new effort within NOAA Fisheries?
No, this strategy builds on NOAA Fisheries’ previous equity and environmental justice efforts to provide guidance for incorporating and prioritizing equity and environmental justice in ongoing and future activities in support of the NOAA Fisheries’ mission.
|