Environmental Justice Policies
The City must update the General Plan to include environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives pursuant to Government Code Section 65302(h). This update will reflect the City’s efforts to promote equal access to resources and to create a healthy, safe, and inclusive community for all to enjoy. New goals, policies, and objectives will seek to address pollution and its effects on all neighborhoods, with an emphasis on areas of the City most negatively affected by environmental burdens and associated health risks. These new goals will also promote civic engagement in public decision-making and prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of vulnerable communities
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice is about making sure everyone has equal access to clean air, water, land, and other resources. The State of California now requires the City to incorporate environmental justice into our General Plan.
The State of California defines Environmental Justice as: "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."
What is the City’s approach to addressing Environmental Justice?
The City will promote environmental justice by creating new and modified policies in the General Plan to:
- Address issues such as pollution exposure, healthy food access, safe and sanitary homes, and access to public facilities and recreation opportunities.
- Promote civic engagement in the public decision-making process.
- Address the needs of those most impacted by environmental burdens.
As part of the project, the City will seek input on and consider topics including:
- Access to a range of public facilities and services
- Housing conditions
- Availability of safe and convenient places for recreation
- Pollution exposure & air quality
- Access to healthy food options
- Opportunities to share your input on City plans and programs
