Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a coalition of his peers from 13 states, has issued new guidance reinforcing the legal right to pursue environmental justice initiatives. The coalition's move stands in defiance of the Trump administration's attempts to undermine such programs, which aim to level the playing field for communities often burdened with environmental and health hazards. "Efforts to advance environmental justice remain legal and essential to ensuring all communities have the opportunity to thrive," Raoul stated in a release on June 17th. This guidance serves as a beacon for state, tribal, and local governments, as well as nonprofits, businesses, and community groups committed to a healthy environment.
The guidance comes amidst evidence and experiences demonstrating how certain groups—specifically communities of color, indigenous populations, low-income areas, and non-English speaking communities—endure disproportionate environmental burdens. The reality faced by these communities includes threats such as lead poisoning, exacerbated asthma due to pollution, and the heightened risks associated with extreme weather events, which are all aggravated by climate change. The reminder by the attorneys general that these initiatives are lawful is a crucial step, especially when the Environmental Protection Agency under Trump axed environmental and climate justice programs and grants.
While the previous administration moved to contest state environmental justice and climate laws, Attorney General Raoul and his counterparts are clear in their guidance that executive actions do not have the power to dismantle congressionally enacted laws, nor can they override constitutional or state protections. The guidance firmly supports the continuation of work in environmental justice under the framework of civil rights statutes, federal and state environmental provisions, and constitutional rights—a sentiment mirrored by attorneys general from states including California, New York, and Massachusetts.
According to the coalition, which includes attorneys general from states spanning from Hawaii to Vermont, there's a need to recognize and combat the systemic injustices that have left marginalized groups to shoulder harsher environments. The initiative led by Raoul not only outlines the legality of the efforts but also works to reaffirm the commitment to supporting communities on the front lines of environmental justice battles.
