The Biden administration's mixed record on environmental justice
In an interview with High Country News, Mark Magaña discusses the strides made by the America the Beautiful for All coalition in advancing environmental justice and conservation efforts, while emphasizing the need for continued progress.
Erin X. Wong reports for High Country News.
- Biden's 2021 Executive Order pushed for environmental justice through the 30×30 plan and Justice40 Initiative.
- The America the Beautiful for All coalition, representing over 250 organizations, recently shared their policy agenda assessing progress on these initiatives.
- Mark Magaña, a founding member, believes funding distribution could still improve, and oil and gas infrastructure decisions hinder environmental justice goals.
Key quote:
"I would grade them high on their work being able to push through with funding. I would grade them low when it comes to their policy decisions to support oil and gas infrastructure at the existential moment that we’re in."
— Mark Magaña, CEO of GreenLatinos
Why this matters:
The coalition's efforts and Magaña's insights reflect the importance of strong environmental policies in tackling climate change and ensuring marginalized communities directly benefit from federal initiatives. Read more: A Rhode Island city gets serious about climate justice.
