Aegis Regulatory Alert - February 2023

Environmental Justice Update



Whats New? On February 16, the Biden Administration issued a new Executive Order on Environmental Justice.  The Order includes requirements to:

  • have EPA and other federal agencies prepare an Annual Plan,
  • require each agency to develop an Equity Team within 30 days,
  • direct federal agencies to advance civil rights,
  • allocate 15% of federal funds in fiscal year 2025 to small businesses owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals,
  • direct the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance on making equitable decisions,
  • require improved collection, analysis and use of demographic data, and
  • form a White House Steering Committee on equity.

Go deeper: For more details on the Executive Order, visit the White House Briefing page.

In Virginia, DEQ has hired an Environmental Justice Manager, and has issued an invitation to a public stakeholder engagement call on March 1 at noon.  For more information, contact VA DEQ’s Office of Environmental Justice