Environmental Justice 101 for Lawyers: U.S. and International Impacts and Strategies for the Growing Global Movement

This diverse panel of U.S. and international private and corporate counsel will examine how the concept of “Environmental Justice” is impacting businesses and communities throughout the world. In the U.S., Environmental Justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EJ now permeates every aspect of environmental law in the United States and is a growing trend internationally.

We will provide a background of EJ, including how manufacturing facilities, landfills, and other industrial establishments have historically been located near lower income or non-white communities. Panelists will explore how the Biden administration is working to address these disparities through many EJ programs. We will then provide strategies to navigate EJ issues in ways that meet the goals of the government (states and federal) and affected communities while allowing our clients and businesses to continue to operate.