The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 24 PA Bulletin announcing the withdrawal of a proposed Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy technical guidance saying it went “beyond enhancing public outreach during the permit review process.”

DEP intends to develop a new policy that will focus on integrating Environmental Justice into other Department practices and policies to provide tangible benefits to communities.

The Department is focused on incorporating a community engagement process to ensure inclusive community voice around its creation.

The Policy is proposed to include: revised EJ areas/population definition; interagency collaboration and EJ planning; EJ mapping, resource and data development; grantmaking practices around EJ; translation processes; and EJ training for Department staff and external partners.

Click Here for copies of comments submitted on the draft policy from DEP’s eComment webpage.  The 2018 draft policy is no longer on DEP’s website.  Only the existing 2004 policy is posted-- DEP ID: 012-0501-002.

 Questions should be directed to Allison Acevedo, DEP Director of Environmental Justice, at alacevedo@pa.gov or 484-250-5818

[Posted: October 23, 2020]

10/26/2020