In a move to bolster the federal commitment to addressing environmental injustice, President Biden has announced the appointment of 12 new members to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC). The council formed under Executive Order 14008, will be tasked with offering advice and recommendations on dealing with historical and ongoing environmental injustice issues, as reported by the White House.
The new appointments reflect a diverse array of experts and activists explicitly chosen to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the council. Tye Baker, with his extensive work for the Choctaw Nation, is expected to especially advocate for Tribal and Indigenous communities' environmental justice. Anita Cunningham, recognized for her leadership in climate resilience from North Carolina, will now have the opportunity to impact policy on a national stage. Health professional Lloyd Dean is poised to contribute a valuable healthcare perspective, while Carlos Evans's legal and executive background in environmental justice is set to reinforce the council's regulatory expertise.
Susan Hendershot, coming from an interfaith organization, along with Harleen Marwah's youth and healthcare advocacy, will add to the voices on the council aiming to broaden community engagement on the issue, as per The White House. Agricultural expert Igalious Mills and academic researcher Jamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem are anticipated to share critical insights into sustainable farming practices and health equity, respectively. People familiar with the matter can see that the administration is making a concerted effort to incorporate a wider spectrum of voices and expertise into their environmental justice policymaking.
Other members like Joanne Pérodin, a seasoned climate equity director, and Michael Walton, with his solid experience in energy and community resilience, are set to further enhance the dialogue within WHEJAC. Donele Wilkins, armed with decades of community-based organizing experience, is primed to underscore the importance of empowering local movements. Moreover, Tanner Yess is expected to contribute significantly to the council’s understanding of green workforce development by bringing his experience from the nonprofit sector, further solidifying the administration’s commitment to environment-related job growth.
