Nov 8, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, Press Releases, Research and Policy News, The Latest News
Portal Advances Democratization of Data
NEW ORLEANS, LA) – Today, the Environmental Justice Data Action Portal (EJ DAP) was officially launched at a press conference where attendees received a live demonstration of the portal’s features and capabilities. Designed to empower communities and policymakers alike, the EJ DAP is an innovative tool providing access to critical environmental and social justice data through an intuitive, interactive platform.
The EJ DAP, developed in partnership with Intellectual Concepts, LLC, combines extensive datasets on pollution, toxic chemicals, health outcomes, and demographic information, creating a user-friendly and accessible hub of vital information for communities impacted by environmental burdens. With a few clicks, users can access insights into pollution types, sources, and toxicity data for over 150 chemicals. Additionally, the portal’s integration of demographic and socioeconomic indicators enables users to see where environmental impacts intersect with social vulnerabilities.
Empowering Communities through Data and Transparency
The portal is designed to help users identify and address specific environmental challenges within their communities. With the ability to run localized queries based on ZIP codes, users can easily locate pollution sources, understand chemical compositions, and view community-specific environmental and health data. Through this data, community members, policymakers, and industry leaders are better positioned to communicate and collaborate on meaningful action toward environmental justice.
Key Features of the EJ Data Action Portal:
- Localized Pollution and Health Data: Users can explore data on pollution levels, sources, toxic chemicals, and health impacts specific to their local areas.
- ZIP Code Search and Interactive Dashboards: Users can enter their ZIP code to access data tailored to their location, including environmental burden rankings and socioeconomic indicators.
- Regular Data Updates: With ongoing data updates, the EJ DAP ensures users have access to the most current information available.
During today’s press conference, EJ DAP developers provided a live demonstration of the portal’s functionality, showcasing how users can navigate its features and apply its data in real-world contexts. The live demo highlighted how the portal’s data can aid in identifying environmental disparities and informing policy decisions that promote environmental justice.
“The democratization of data is crucial for the success of EJ communities as it will empower them to tell their stories, show injustices, and to convince administrators and other stakeholders that what they are experiencing is real. The DSCEJ’s goal with the EJ DAP is to provide the tools and resources that will allow communities to become confident, competent data champions.” said Dr. Beverly Wright, DSCEJ Founder and Executive Director.
The EJ DAP is a collaboration among experts and stakeholders in the environmental justice field, integrating insights from the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), and Environmental Justice Index (EJI). This central resource aligns with the national commitment to promoting equity, health, and environmental justice, offering data transparency and empowering communities across the nation.
The Environmental Justice Data Action Portal is accessible at https://www.ejdap.org/.
About EJ DAP
The Environmental Justice Data Action Portal (EJ DAP) is committed to providing reliable, accessible environmental data to strengthen community-driven efforts toward achieving health equity and environmental justice. Through the portal, EJ DAP supports informed advocacy and policy, contributing to a more equitable future for all. This project was made possible by a grant from the Windward Fund.
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Nov 6, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, Press Releases, Research and Policy News, The Latest News
NEW ORLEANS) The DSCEJ will host a press conference to launch the Environmental Justice Data Action Portal (EJ DAP), an innovative, user-friendly platform that the DSCEJ has designed to consolidate key environmental and demographic datasets into a single, accessible hub.
During the demonstration, presenters will show how users can search by ZIP code to locate pollution sources, assess chemical toxicity, and view demographic and socioeconomic data to understand environmental impacts within specific communities. This powerful tool is designed to facilitate community collaboration, inform local and federal policies, and enhance transparency in environmental health data.
EJ DAP integrates data from key sources, including the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), and Environmental Justice Index (EJI), making it a comprehensive resource for those addressing environmental burdens and social vulnerabilities. This tool was made possible by a grant from the Windward Fund.
Date: Friday, November 8
Location: DSCEJ HQ – 9801 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70127
Time: 9:00 AM
WHO:
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Troy Carter, Congressman, LA-2 (invited)
- Oliver Thomas, City Councilmember, City of New Orleans (invited)
- Members of the EJ DAP development team
Members of the media are invited to attend, please RSVP to media@dscej.org.
Oct 21, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, LGCGP News, Press Releases, The Latest News
DALLAS, TEXAS (October 21, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Division is awarding the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project (LGCGP) and $2.4 million. The Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmakers Project (LGCGP) is designed to build the capacity of environmental justice communities in coastal Louisiana parishes to respond to the impact of systemic inequities, and the devastating impact of climate change and water quality/water justice issues in their communities.
“Since 1992, the DSCEJ has been working with community groups in Louisiana and beyond to bring environmental justice and climate resilience to Gulf Coast communities and we are grateful to see them continuing their great work,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “As recent events show, hurricanes remain a dangerous natural disaster and it is important we continue to strengthen our coastal communities in any way possible to mitigate disaster risks. I would like to thank the DSCEJ for their decades of environmental justice work and for their continued goal of protecting public health and the environment.”
“The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice has a history of ensuring equity environmental practices in disadvantaged communities,” said Marc Wyatt, U.S. EPA Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Division Director. Through DSCEJ’s commitment and hard work, this project will create a pathway for increased collaboration across community based organizations, various sectors of government, and the community at large.”
“Environmental justice is not just a goal, it’s a promise. A promise that every Louisianian deserves a healthy environment, free from the harms of industrial pollution and destruction from storms and flooding. Today, I’m excited to announce a $2.5 million investment from the EPA to help our community tackle critical water justice issues and improve overall quality of life. These projects will have a lasting impact on our environment and, most importantly, on the people who call these parishes home,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
“Congratulations to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice on receiving this $2.4 million award from the EPA to spearhead the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This grant will empower communities across the Gulf Coast region to address critical issues like water quality and climate resilience, ensuring that local organizations have the resources they need to lead impactful, community-driven projects. Our partnership with DSCEJ, especially through efforts like the Climate Action Equity Report and Project, has set a standard for inclusive engagement and meaningful change. We are proud to continue working together to build a stronger, more resilient future for all of our communities.”
“As we face an unprecedented hurricane season, it is more crucial than ever to support community-based organizations in their efforts to combat climate change and address water quality issues. The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice is thrilled to partner with the EPA to deliver much-needed funding to these organizations. Through the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project, grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 will empower 24 environmental justice champions to advance their visions for their communities,” said DSCEJ Founder & Executive Director, Dr. Beverly Wright.
Over a two-year period, through a competitive subaward process, the DSCEJ will provide $1.82M in subawards to approximately 24 selected Environmental Justice-missioned CBOs with awards of $50,000 to $100,000 to implement green projects to address one or more water quality issues and improve quality of life in their communities. The goals of each project will vary but will include mitigating flooding, reducing impacts from nonpoint source pollution, or improving stormwater management. The project will also provide technical assistance through a combination of existing programming and leveraged resources, helping sub-awardees to better plan and craft viable project proposals, for solicitations offered through this project, and others.
The DSCEJ will be focusing on aiding multiple parishes throughout the state of Louisiana. These parishes include Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaFourche, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Vermillion.
The Gulf of Mexico Division is a non-regulatory program of EPA founded to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico. To carry out its mission, the Gulf of Mexico Division continues to maintain and expand partnerships with state and federal agencies, federally recognized tribes, local governments and authorities, academia, regional business and industry, agricultural and environmental organizations, and individual citizens and communities. For more information on this division, please visit this webpage.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Oct 17, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, LGCGP News, Press Releases, The Latest News
DALLAS, TEXAS (October 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance will be joined by Founder & Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) Dr. Beverly Wright, Congressman Troy Carter (LA-2), Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and U.S. EPA Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Division Director Marc Wyatt to celebrate DSCEJ’s EPA grant of $2,499,616 to administer the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project.
Members of the media are invited to attend, please RSVP to R6Press@epa.gov.
Date: Monday, October 21st
Location: Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. New Orleans, LA 70130
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
WHO:
- Dr. Nance, Regional Administrator, EPA Region 6
- Marc Wyatt, Division Director, U.S. EPA Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Division
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Mayor LaToya Cantrell
- Troy Carter, Congressman, LA-2
- Oliver Thomas, City Councilmember, City of New Orleans (invited)
Sep 18, 2024 | Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Press Releases, The Latest News
NEW ORLEANS – Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its appointees for the first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council (HBCU-MSI FAC) naming DSCEJ Founder and Executive Director Dr. Beverly Wright as a vice chair.
The establishment of EPA’s HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council supports President Biden’s Executive Order 14035, which seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce. This Executive Order underscores the importance of a federal workforce that reflects the full diversity of the American people. The HBCU-MSI FAC aligns with this vision, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping the EPA’s policies and practices.
“It is with great humility and enthusiasm that I accept the appointment as Vice Chair of the newly created HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council at the U.S. EPA. As a proud graduate of Grambling State University, I know the power of these institutions, the sense of duty and excellence that they instill in their students, and the way that they buttress their communities.” said Dr. Beverly Wright. “I am thrilled to be part of bringing that unique voice and knowledge to the EPA. I believe it will lend itself to inspired solutions for some of our biggest challenges and help us chart the course to an environmentally just future.”
The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to promote equity in economic and educational opportunities, protect public health, and preserve the environment.
Administrator Michael Regan selected 20 members who were chosen based on their specific expertise/experience and will serve as representative members of non-Federal interests, community-based organizations, research, and academia. Members will serve a two-year term from 2024 to 2026. The council expects to meet approximately 2 to 3 times a year for in-person or virtual meetings.
HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council Members:
- Chair: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Managing Partner, AHK Global Resources
- Vice Chair: Heather Himmelberger, Director, University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center
- Vice Chair: Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, DSCEJ
- Vice Chair: Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University –Fresno
- Abre Conner, Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, NAACP
- Andrew Kozich, Environmental Science Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
- Angelina Adams, Counselor – Career Services, Haskell Indian Nations University
- Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Senior Director of Strategy Execution, UNCF
- Eric O’Rear, Senior Research Analyst, Rhodium Group
- Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement, Bowie State University
- Jerryl Briggs, President, Mississippi Valley State University
- Lena Rodriguez, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Mark Brown, President and CEO, Tuskegee University
- Melva Wallace, Huston-Tillotson University
- Michael Johnson, Chief of Staff, PROPEL Center
- Mike Hoa Nguyen, Member, Board of Trustees, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education & Assistant Professor of Education, New York University
- Ray Shackleford, Vice President for Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
- Sharon Jones, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, university of Washington-Bothell
- Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University
- Phil Weilerstein, President & CEO, VentureWell
Dr. Beverly Wright’s Bio:
Dr. Beverly Wright is an environmental justice scholar, advocate, author, civic leader, professor of Sociology, and the founder and executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. She is also a founding co-chair of the HBCU-CBO Gulf Coast Equity Consortium and the HBCU Climate Change Consortium. She received a BA from Grambling College and an MA and PhD in Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
She has received distinguished awards and co-authored numerous works highlighting the injustices of environmental hazards on communities of color.
Dr. Wright is a member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council and serves on the Justice40 Initiative Workgroup and the Carbon Management Committee under the Biden-Harris Administration.
For more information about the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council and the EPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please visit their webpage or reach out to at HBCU-MSI.AC@epa.gov.
Jul 31, 2024 | Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Research and Policy News, The Latest News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2024
Press Contact: Maria Langholz, maria@team-arc.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is set to vote on the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Manchin (I-WV) and Sen. Barrasso (R-WY). This bill is a blatant effort to cater to the fossil fuel industry’s demands, as outlined in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, while masquerading as a measure to advance renewable energy and transmission infrastructure development.
Ahead of the expected vote, environmental justice leaders issued the following statements. All leaders quoted below are available for an interview. Please email maria@team-arc.com if you want to be put in touch.
Dr. Bob Bullard, Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental Justice at Texas Southern University: “It would be a colossal mistake for the US Senate to pass this so-called permitting reform bill. While it contains some important provisions to accelerate the deployment of needed clean energy and transmission infrastructure, at the same time, it contains a giant giveaway to the fossil fuel industry to keep doing what got us into this environmental and climate crisis. Rolling back environmental and legal protections will hurt our most vulnerable populations and communities and is a step backward in our quest for communities to achieve environmental, climate, energy, and health justice.”
Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, New Orleans, Louisiana: “Louisiana communities pay the price for this kind of legislation that puts oil and gas polluters over people, as called for in Project 2025. Justice delayed is justice denied and this bill by Senators Manchin and Barrasso is designed to do both. It would delay our transition to an equitable and renewable energy economy and deny our rights to restore communities and build sustainable livelihoods. We urge President Biden to dump this bill which threatens the progress made toward advancing environmental and climate justice.”
Richard Moore, Co-Coordinator of Los Jardines Institute and Co-Chair of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council: “Dirty industries have long put their profits over our communities. The Manchin-Barrasso permitting bill may have a new name, but it’s the same old polluter priorities that will silence our voices and undercut our efforts to advance environmental justice. Communities like mine need real solutions like the Environmental Justice for All Act to help give us a voice in the projects built in our neighborhoods, hold bad actors accountable, and incorporate environmental justice concerns into the project decision-making process.”
Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director at WE ACT for Environmental Justice: “We need a permitting process that protects public health, especially of communities of color and of low-income who bear the brunt of pollution and the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis. This legislation fails to do that. It aims to make it easier for the fossil fuel industry to continue polluting our communities. And transmission buildout is critical for the clean energy transition, but must never be done at the expense of communities. A better pathway is possible, one that secures a just transition and safeguards the most vulnerable communities.
