Justice40
The Justice40 initiative introduced in Biden’s 2021 Executive Order on Climate Change allocates 40% of benefits from federal climate change investments to disadvantaged communities. The Center for American Progress, the Equitable and Just National Climate Forum, and the New School’s Tishman Environment and Design Center convened in December 2020 and January 2021 to provide the federal government with Justice 40 Recommendations. While Justice40 has been under attack by the Trump Administration, this comprehensive list has values and needed investment benefits identified by EJ advocates in four categories: healthy communities and pollution reduction, climate justice and resilience, just transition, and allowing communities to speak for themselves. This white paper explores recommendations Maryland should adopt specific to regional community concerns. This includes strategic expansion of Environmental Benefit Districts (EBDs) and investments in climate mitigation and health equity.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts (CIs) account for the multiple exposures within the total environment that accumulate to increase environmental risk. Variables such as socioeconomic status, the built environment, underlying health status, and resource availability can buffer or intensify these impacts. The purpose of this white paper is to demonstrate the need for a CI bill in Maryland through case studies and examination of related bills in states that are similarly situated geographically. The hazards imposed by industries compounded with co-existing environmental hazards and social vulnerability exemplify how the failure of the CHERISH Act to pass in the 2025 Legislation Session is failure to protect EJ communities. Consideration of CIs should likewise support the development of salutogenic, health promoting policies to increase community resilience and capacity. We propose recommendations for development of a cumulative impacts bill in Maryland that centers public health and community engagement.
Collaborate with residents, advocates, and policymakers driving justice.
Since 2011, CEEJH has partnered with frontline and fenceline communities to address environmental, climate, and energy injustices through grassroots action and policy co-creation. We center those most impacted by harm to lead action and social change.
