EGLE will accept public comments about a new interactive environmental justice tool
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 that will 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 serve as guides to help identify vulnerable populations, the challenges faced by communities, and provide data for environmental equity. The tool was developed in cooperation with EGLE’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (EGLE) and the Michigan Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team (MIJRT).
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.
The tool’s purpose is to:
- Help EGLE identify Michigan communities most adversely 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, stated that 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. “The tool is available to all stakeholders and is something advocates and other partners have long requested in order to address environmental justice issues.
Where can you find more information?
EGLE will provide several opportunities for you to learn more about the tool over the next 60 days. These include informational sessions, office hours, as well as an opportunity to make 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 on March 29 and Screening Tool Demonstrations, March 29 There will be a morning and evening 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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