On Thursday, the justice department announced that it would create a new office focusing on environmental justice.
The department also announced it would use a new strategy in order to penalize environmental justice offenses.
Attorney General Merrick Galrland stated during a press conference that even though violations of our environmental laws are possible anywhere, communities with low income and communities of color often suffer the brunt from the damage caused by climate change, pollution and environmental crime.
Environmental Justice is a movement that supports equitable treatment of people of color who have been exposed to a disproportionate amount pollution.
Many polluting projects were located in minority communities historically, which has led to increased health risks for these communities.
This story is still in development and will be updated.