EGLE will accept public comments on a new interactive tool for environmental justice
March 17, 2022
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has opened a period of 60 days for public comments on a draft interactive map tool to help identify Michigan communities that are most adversely affected by environmental hazards.
The draft Michigan Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening Tool, (MiEJScreen), allows users to examine environmental, socio-economic, and health indicators. These indicators can be used to identify vulnerable populations and the challenges they face. They also provide data that will help us move towards environmental equity. The tool was created in collaboration with EGLE’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate and the Michigan Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team.
Liesl Clark, Director at EGLE, stated that Michigan is crucial in integrating equity and environmental justice into its state government. This tool is one way to better understand the challenges that communities face. This tool will help us to respond to the challenges and to leverage resources.
The tool’s purpose?
- Help EGLE and other state agencies identify Michigan communities that are most affected by environmental hazards. To identify communities that are likely to be most affected by environmental hazards, it is important to map cumulative factors.
- Assist EGLE and other state departments with decisions, such as prioritizing resources, identifying areas for additional outreach, guiding policy decisions, prioritizing programs, and planning for the future.
- Inform future planning to improve the environment and quality of life for all residents of and visitors to Michigan.
- Provide a resource for the public and stakeholders.
Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate, said that MiEJScreen “combines a wide variety of data, social factors, and communities to better address problems as they arise, focus resources, and inform policies.” “The tool is available to all stakeholders and is something advocates and partners have long sought to address environmental justice problems.”
Where can I find out more?
EGLE will offer a variety of opportunities to learn about the tool in the next 60-days, including informational sessions, office times, and the opportunity to submit official comments. The webinar will focus on the history and development of the tool and how it can be used.
Register to Attend the MiEJScreen Informational Webinar, Screening Tool Demonstrations March 29 There will be an evening and afternoon session.
Participate in the 1:00 pm to 2:20 pm Session
Participate in the 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm Session
More information on the background and development of the tool and links to register for other opportunities to ask questions and provide comments can be found at Michigan.gov/EnvironmentalJustice.
Provide Comments
You can make public comments about the tool in any of these ways by May 16, 2022.
By email: [email protected]
In writing to: EGLE Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate
Constitution Hall, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, MI 48909-7973
At the public comment opportunities on April 27, 2022.
If you have questions about the tool or how to provide comment, please contact the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate at [email protected].
Information about EGLE’s environmental justice activities can be found at Michigan.gov/EnvironmentalJustice.
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Gov. Whitmer created the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate. Whitmer’s Executive order 2019-06 created the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate to act as an advocate and catalyst for environmental justice in the state. The Office functions as a Type 1 agency within EGLE and has direct access to the governor’s offices to raise concerns and coordinate state government. The Office works to address and resolve environmental justice complaints and concerns, and promote environmental justice and equity within Michigan.
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