The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) enjoys a strong partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in mission of protecting air quality for all. One aspect of that work involves environmental justice.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
The EPA Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ), created in 1992, coordinates EPA efforts to address the needs of vulnerable populations by decreasing environmental burdens, increasing environmental benefits, and working collaboratively to build healthy, sustainable communities. OEJ provides financial and technical assistance to communities working constructively and collaboratively to address environmental justice issues. The Office also works with local, state, and federal governments; tribal governments; community organizations; business and industry; and academia, to establish partnerships seeking to achieve protection from environmental and health hazards for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income.
You can find more information about the OEJ and the work they do with local government agencies such as ORCAA here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
