Jul 21, 2021 - Energy & Climate

White House lays out environmental justice plans

Ben Geman

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., attend a "No Climate, No Deal" rally in Lafayette Square in Washington on Monday, June 28, 2021. Photo: Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The White House is laying out initial steps to implement its pledge to ensure at least 40% of the benefits from federal clean energy and climate investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

Why it matters: Poor people and communities of color often face disproportionately high exposures to pollution, toxics and climate risks.

Driving the news: Officials yesterday released "interim guidance" for federal agencies about steps they should take to define the effort and meet that benchmark.

It also names 21 existing federal programs that will pilot the implementation of the effort. They address flood mitigation, weatherization, drinking water infrastructure, diesel emissions reduction and more.

Go deeper: E&E News has more.

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White House lays out environmental justice plans

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