What Is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice refers to the effort to ensure that people with lower incomes and BIPOC communities aren't disproportionately harmed by pollution and other environmental threats. There's a long history of undesirable facilities (think landfills, trash incinerators, or coal plants) being built where people have the least power—all too often communities with low incomes or largely BIPOC.
Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.
Forty Years of Environmental Justice: Where is the Justice?
In May 2022, an article by CBF Vice President of Litigation Jon Mueller and Environmental Justice Staff Attorney Taylor Lilley was published in the Public Interest Law Review. "Forty Years of Environmental Justice: Where is the Justice?" examines the history of environmental justice (or EJ) primarily through the lens of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the White House, and evaluates the progress made in terms of regulations and permitting. It also examines recent administrative and judicial decisions addressing EJ claims and, in conclusion, provides recommendations for ways in which EJ issues can be better presented and addressed. Read the article
Here are a few of the ways CBF is working to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
Blog Posts
-
Save the Bay News: Restoration, Wetlands, and Saving Striped Bass
June 29, 2023
Progress toward clean water includes the need for a greater focus on the Bay's 'living resources,' such as blue crabs and striped bass, as well as placing more emphasis on the places and pollution that most affect the Bay's human communities.
-
Clean Water Advocacy: March 2023 Update
March 31, 2023
In the first quarter of the year, CBF and our clean water advocates have been fighting for trees, healthy fisheries, environmental justice, agricultural investments, and more.
-
Governor-Elect Moore Has Right Plan for Chesapeake Bay; Restoring Hope Is First Step
January 5, 2023
Maryland Gov.-Elect Wes Moore’s optimism is a welcome antidote to the recent gloom surrounding the Chesapeake Bay cleanup.
-
A Fight for History in Hobson
December 21, 2022
Waterwoman and activist Mary Hill is fighting to restore her community’s rights and way of life in Hobson, Virginia.
-
Clean Water Advocacy: September 2022 Update
September 28, 2022
Salmon, trees, plastic bags, and more. And all with Election Day right around the corner.
Items 1 - 5 of 20 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next |
Video
-
Greening Southside Richmond
09 Apr 2021 00:04:07In formerly redlined neighborhoods, how can trees bring peace, provide health benefits, and reduce pollution? See what community groups and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are doing in Southside Richmond.
-
Clean Water is a Right: Equity and Environmental Justice Around the Bay
11 Aug 2020 01:01:11Join CBF and a panel of elected leaders and community advocates for perspectives on recent environmental justice victories around the Bay watershed. We also discuss where this critical conversation needs to go in the coming years.