Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice

The Cal/EPA Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (IWG) was convened by the Secretary of Cal/EPA in December 2001 to identify and address any gaps in existing environmental programs, policies, or activities that may impede the achievement of environmental justice. As mandated by Public Resources Code (PRC) section 71113, the IWG consists of the following:

• Secretary of Cal/EPA
• Director of Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR)
• Chair of Air Resources Board (ARB)
• Chair of California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
• Chair of State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
• Director of Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
• Director of Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
• Director of Department of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

The IWG is required by PRC 71113 to do the following:

Examine existing data and studies on environmental justice, and consult with state, federal and local agencies, and affected communities.

Hold public meetings to receive and respond to public comments regarding the recommendations required pursuant section 71113, prior to the finalization of the recommendations. Cal/EPA shall provide public notice of the availability of draft recommendations at least one month prior to the public meetings.

Recommend procedures to ensure that public documents, notices, and public hearings relating to human health or the environment, are concise, understandable, and readily accessible to the public. The recommendation shall include guidance for determining when it is appropriate for Cal/EPA to translate crucial public documents, notices, and hearings relating to human health or the environment for limited-English-speaking populations.

Recommend criteria to Cal/EPA for identifying and addressing any gaps in existing programs, policies, or activities that may impede the achievement of environmental justice.

Recommend procedures for collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and coordinating information relating to its environmental justice strategy (.pdf format).

Recommend procedures and provide guidance to Cal/EPA for the coordination and implementation of intra-agency environmental justice strategies.