From water quality to sustainable transit, climate change and renewable energy, every issue that MEC focuses on can be linked to environmental justice (EJ).
The two basic tenets of EJ are that no group of people — whatever their race, color, national origin, or income — should disproportionately bear negative environmental impacts. EJ also holds that people should have meaningful voices in decisions that impact their environment and health.
MEC’s EJ work centers around educating and encouraging state leaders to develop environmental justice guidelines that encourage citizen participation on issues that impact their environment and health. We are also part of the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition where we support our member groups, organizations, and communities that are working on the frontlines of the environmental justice movement.
The Council is also working with Angelou Ezeilo, founder and leader of Greening Youth Foundation, to develop a plan of action to create a just environmental movement both within the organization and amongst our 70 member groups.
Wondering how the state is working to promote environmental justice? Check out our webinar with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Planet Detroit's Nina Ignaczak.