A Discussion on Environmental Justice

Wednesday morning I had the opportunity to speak at the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council's (NEJAC) public meeting in Washington, D.C. and discuss the most pressing issues we face as a country when it comes to environmental justice. NEJAC provides important advice as we work to ensure that all American communities have equal environmental protections.

Too often pollution and environmental degradation fall disproportionately on low-income and minority residents. Every parent deserves to know that their child can play outside at recess without getting asthma from dirty air and Americans should know their neighborhoods are clean and healthy.

In the Obama Administration, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is leading this issue as we work to ensure that all Americans have clean air and water, and access to parks and other green space, cost-saving clean energy programs, and emerging job opportunities in the clean energy sector. This country was built on the promise of equal opportunity for all of us.  We are committed to keeping that promise.

Nancy Sutley is the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality