The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is hosting a 60-day public comment period for a new interactive map tool to help identify communities that are affected by environmental hazards.
According to EGLE, the Michigan Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening tool (also known as the Michigan Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening tool)MiEJScreen) allows users to explore environmental, health and socio-economic indicators, which are guides to help identify where populations are the most vulnerable, what challenges they face and provide data to move toward environmental equity.
They say the creation of the tool was an cooperative effort with EGLE’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate and the Michigan Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team.
Liesl Clark, Director of EGLE, stated that Michigan’s state government must integrate equity and environmental justice. This tool is one of the first steps in understanding the challenges faced by communities. This tool will be a valuable addition to our efforts to address challenges and maximize resources.
EGLE says that the tool’s purpose was to:
- Help EGLE identify Michigan communities most adversely affected by environmental hazards. You can map cumulative factors and examine the impact on communities.
- Assist EGLE or other state departments in making decisions such as prioritizing resources, identifying areas of additional outreach, guiding policy choices, prioritizing programs, and planning the future.
- Future planning should be informed to improve the environment, quality of life, and safety for all Michigan residents and visitors.
- Provide a resource for the public as well as stakeholders.
MiEJScreen combines a variety of data and social factors from communities to better address issues as soon as they arise, concentrate resources, and inform policy, stated Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate. It can be used by all stakeholders. This tool is something advocates and partners have long requested to address environmental justice problems.
EGLE will offer several opportunities for Michiganders over the next 60 days to learn more about the tool in informational sessions or office hours. There will also be an opportunity to make additional comments.
The first is a webinar that will be held on March 29th. 13:00 to 2:30 p.m. 6 to 7 p.m.This section will discuss the background and development of the tool as well as how to use it.
Public comments are also welcome on the interactive tool until May 16.
Click here to email your comments to EGLE
You can also send your comments to EGLE by writing at: EGLE Office of Environmental Justice Public Advocate Constitution Hall, P.O. Box 30473 Lansing MI 48909-7973
For more information on the interactive tool, and to ask questions or make comments, Click here.
