What is environmental justice? Two 1990’s answers to this question are still commonly used today. The first answer emerged from the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit held in Washington, D.C. in 1991. The participants in this event produced “The Principles of Environmental Justice”, a one-page statement consisting of a detailed preamble and 17 specific affirmations. This comprehensive environmental justice statement serves “…as a defining document for the growing grassroots movement for environmental justice.”
The second 1990’s description of environmental justice was developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In 1992, EPA issued its landmark report, “Environmental Equity – Reducing Risk for All Communities”. EPA subsequently began incorporating environmental justice into its activities under the leadership of Clinton-era EPA Administrator Carol Browner. In 1993, EPA published its interpretation of the meaning of environmental justice. Like the Principles of Environmental Justice, EPA’s definition is still commonly used.
Compare-and-contrast these two descriptions of environmental justice. Are they compatible or mutually exclusive? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the comprehensive Principles of Environmental Justice vs. the concise EPA definition? Are these definitions intended to serve the same purpose? For you personally, which definition is more effective?