Environmental JusticeA boardwalk appears on a beach nourishment project

Leading the mission to ensure fair, inclusive, and equitable solutions for communities' water resource needs.

“Environmental Justice” means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:

  1. are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and
  2. have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.

Whether studying, planning, designing, constructing, providing assistance, or operating within key mission areas, USACE works to meet the needs of diverse communities in all phases of program management, planning, and decision-making at home and abroad.

Justice40

Justice40 programs are Federal programs that make covered investments in any one of the following seven categories: climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure.

To be considered for the covered Justice40 program, proposed projects MUST be identified by using the White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). 

For more information on USACE Justice40 covered programs, environmental justice resources and partnering assistance programs, please visit USACE Headquarters' webpage at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental-Justice/.

Image: Beach nourishment in Rockaway, New York, part of the recovery work authorized after Hurricane Sandy, designed with community engagement and input. (U.S. Army photo by Jerica Richardson)