Addressing Environmental Justice in New York City

EPA, DEC, & DEP Host Discussion on Environmental Justice at EPA Region II Office

Norris McDonald at 290 Broadway
AAEA President Norris McDonald participated in the latest meeting of environmental justice activists and New York government agency officials. The meeting was held on Friday, April 30 from 3-5 pm. Approximately 50 environmental justice activists and others attended the meeting.

Opening and closing remarks were given by Judith Enck, EPA Region 2 Administrator, Pete Grannis New York State DEC Commissioner, Cas Holloway, New York City DEP Commissioner. They also answered questions from the participants.

Various commenters listed their respective complaints from process to local problems. Topics on the agenda include: 1) EJ Concerns and Government Responses and 2) Opportunities to Strengthen Community-Government Relationships to Effectively Address NYC EJ Concerns.

Pete Grannis, Cas Holloway, Judith Enck

The meeting was a follow up to the previous meetings to address EJ issues. The particular focus of the meeting was supposed to be to address the August 2009 report: "New York City Environmental Justice Listening Session: Responses to Questions, Comments and Concerns." Most comments were on other issues but there was also some discussion about the issues included in the report. Questions about report, contact:

Terry Wesley, Environmental Justice Coordinator, EPA Region 2

Lisa F. Garcia, Chief Advocate for Environmental Justice and Equity, NYSDEC

Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Policy Advisor NYC Mayoral Office and Agencies