Executive Order 12898

Definition

Executive Order 12898 is a directive signed by President Bill Clinton on February 11, 1994, aimed at achieving environmental justice by addressing the disproportionate impact of federal actions on minority and low-income populations. This order establishes a commitment to consider the environmental and health impacts of federal policies and programs on these communities, promoting equitable treatment and involvement in decision-making processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Executive Order 12898 requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their actions on minority and low-income populations.
2. The order mandates that agencies involve affected communities in the decision-making process regarding environmental policies.
3. It established an interagency working group to develop strategies for achieving environmental justice across federal agencies.
4. This executive order recognizes the historical context of environmental racism and aims to address systemic inequalities in environmental health risks.
5. It serves as a foundational framework for subsequent legislation and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental justice in the United States.

Review Questions

• How does Executive Order 12898 define the concept of environmental justice in relation to marginalized communities?
  • Executive Order 12898 defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It highlights the need to address the disproportionate impact that federal actions have on minority and low-income populations. By emphasizing the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes, this order aims to ensure that these communities have a voice in matters affecting their environment and health.
• Evaluate the role of federal agencies in implementing the objectives of Executive Order 12898 regarding environmental justice.
  • Federal agencies play a critical role in implementing Executive Order 12898 by assessing how their policies and actions impact minority and low-income communities. The order requires these agencies to actively consider environmental justice during their planning processes, which includes conducting assessments and engaging with affected populations. By holding agencies accountable for their actions and requiring them to involve communities in decision-making, Executive Order 12898 aims to foster a more equitable approach to environmental policy.
• Synthesize how Executive Order 12898 interacts with broader social movements advocating for civil rights and community advocacy efforts in addressing systemic inequalities.
  • Executive Order 12898 is intricately connected to broader social movements that advocate for civil rights and community advocacy by recognizing that environmental injustices are rooted in systemic inequalities. By addressing the disproportionate impacts of federal actions on marginalized communities, it aligns with efforts seeking equity across various societal dimensions. This executive order acts as a catalyst for further mobilization within civil rights movements, emphasizing the importance of community participation in shaping policies that directly affect their lives. As a result, it reinforces the synergy between environmental justice initiatives and ongoing struggles for social justice.

Related terms

Environmental Justice: A movement that seeks to address the unfair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in environmental decision-making.

Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, laying the groundwork for subsequent efforts to address environmental injustice.

Community Advocacy: The process through which individuals and groups promote and protect their interests, rights, and well-being, often focusing on social and environmental issues affecting their communities.