2 days ago
Maryland takes a step toward environmental justice with new executive order
Governor Moore signed an executive order on Friday designed to advance environmental justice and protect communities burdened by pollution in Maryland.
The Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity order serves to foster a whole-of-government approach working with communities that historically have borne the burden of environmental pollution, according to the governor's office.
According to Moore, the executive order establishes the following:
"Every Marylander deserves access to clean air, clean water, and resilient communities. That's what environmental justice is all about," said Gov. Moore. "The order marks the next chapter in our work to cut exposure to pollution, improve access to clean public transit, reduce urban heat islands, and uplift neighborhoods that have been left behind. And for our entire state, this action marks a step toward a more competitive economy and healthier communities for all."
The order also mandates state agencies to use the Maryland Department of the Environment's MDEnviroScreen mapping tool.
According to Moore's release, the tool provides detailed demographic information through interactive maps and tracks disparities related to environmental hazards, exposures, risks, and health outcomes, generating a score that combines pollution levels with population vulnerability.
Ultimately, it will help policymakers understand environmental burdens and find specific areas to help with support and resources.
