HHS Seeks Comments on Environmental Justice Plan
- April 08, 2022
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Request for Information April 8 (87 Fed. Reg 20876) seeking comments on its 2022 Environmental Justice Strategy and Implementation Plan Draft Outline.
The Plan serves “as a guide to confront environmental and health disparities and implement a multifaceted approach that will serve vulnerable populations and communities disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens.” Comments are due by May 19.
HHS noted that studies have demonstrated that people of color and disadvantaged, vulnerable, low-income, marginalized, and indigenous populations are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards such as unhealthy land uses, poor air and water quality, dilapidated housing, lead exposure, and other environmental threats that drive health disparities.
The HHS Environmental Justice Strategy and Implementation Plan will likely include six interrelated strategic elements: (1) services; (2) partnerships and community engagement; (3) policy development and dissemination; (4) research and data collection, analysis, and utilization; (5) education and training; and (6) performance measures.