Executive Order 12898

Definition

Executive Order 12898, signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994, aims to address and reduce environmental injustice in the United States. This order requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their programs and policies on minority and low-income populations, ensuring that these communities are not disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. The directive promotes a more equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 12898 was the first order to establish environmental justice as a federal priority, signaling a shift in how environmental issues are approached in relation to marginalized communities.
2. The order requires federal agencies to assess the environmental and health impacts of their actions on minority and low-income populations, promoting accountability.
3. It encourages public participation from affected communities in decision-making processes related to environmental policies.
4. The order spurred the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dedicated to addressing issues related to environmental injustice.
5. Executive Order 12898 has led to numerous studies and initiatives aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of pollution and other environmental risks on vulnerable populations.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 12898 define the relationship between federal agencies and marginalized communities?
  • Executive Order 12898 establishes a clear expectation that federal agencies must consider how their policies and actions impact minority and low-income communities. This relationship emphasizes accountability, requiring agencies to assess potential disproportionate effects before proceeding with projects. The order fosters engagement with these communities, ensuring they have a voice in decisions that affect their environment and health.
• What mechanisms were put in place by Executive Order 12898 to promote public involvement in environmental decision-making?
  • Executive Order 12898 mandates that federal agencies not only assess the impacts of their actions but also actively involve affected communities in the decision-making process. This includes providing opportunities for public comment, holding community meetings, and ensuring access to relevant information. By facilitating participation from marginalized groups, the order aims to empower these communities to advocate for their rights and interests in environmental matters.
• Evaluate the impact of Executive Order 12898 on the broader movement for environmental justice in the United States.
  • Executive Order 12898 significantly advanced the environmental justice movement by elevating awareness of systemic inequities in environmental policy. Its requirement for federal agencies to consider the needs of vulnerable populations helped legitimize concerns about disproportionate impacts. Additionally, it catalyzed further research into environmental injustices and led to the creation of programs aimed at mitigating these disparities. Overall, this order has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary discussions around equity in environmental policy.

Related terms

Environmental Justice:

The movement that advocates for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Disproportionate Impact: The unequal effect of environmental hazards on specific communities, particularly those marginalized by socioeconomic status or race.

Federal Agencies: Government organizations responsible for the oversight and implementation of federal laws and policies, including environmental regulations.