Washington, D.C. — Last week, the White House Council on Environmental Quality released an initial version of its Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool to help federal agencies identify disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. The tool will be critical to inform the administration’s implementation of the Justice40 initiative, which aims to provide 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal investments in seven key areas to these communities. In response, John Podesta, founder and chair of the board for the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
This screening tool is key to the Biden administration making good on its pledge to steer federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are suffering some of the worst impacts from pollution and climate change. Releasing this draft version shows the administration is committed to making this issue a priority and to refining the tool based on input from communities on the frontlines of toxic pollution and climate change effects. It’s a major step in making sure the president’s Justice40 initiative makes a meaningful difference in reducing toxic pollution and getting clean energy and transportation options to the communities that need them most. That includes replacing old lead pipes, providing job training, cleaning up toxic pollution, and building affordable and energy efficient housing. I look forward to digging deeper into the screening tool and working with leaders across environmental justice and national environmental organizations to provide feedback.
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