Equity & Justice

Low-income communities and communities of color suffer under the inextricably intertwined challenges of clean water, climate change, and economic, environmental, and social injustice. In the Chesapeake, frontline communities (such as the Cherry Hill neighborhood in downtown Baltimore, the historically black communities of Brandywine, MD and Brown Grove, VA, and poultry workers on the Eastern Shore) are burdened by flooding, drinking water hazards due to industrial contamination, and aging, poorly maintained water infrastructure. It is urgent that we all nurture the burgeoning grassroots movement of climate, justice, water, and public health interests coming together demanding equal justice and access to clean water.

Our priorities include:

Center equity in funding programs by identifying failures in how states prioritize funding in the battle against climate change, investments in infrastructure upgrades, agriculture subsidies, and other restoration programs.
Oppose developments that increase the burden on already overburdened communities.
Promote strong enforcement of environmental laws, increased budgets for inspection and enforcement personnel, and more serious repercussions for violators.
Ensure environmental justice and public empowerment by creating better accountability, systems, and transparency for meaningful environmental justice review.
Demand corporate accountability for toxics and waste in water by holding corporations liable for the pollution they create and regulate emerging contaminants in their products.
Enhance access to nature for all.
Elevate the voices of those fighting for justice and protecting their communities from pollution.

Virginia Supreme Court Decision Ensures Equitable Access to Courts

On the 50th Anniversary of Clean Water Act, We Need to Act for a Cleaner, More Just Future

A Narrow Reading of the Clean Water Act by the Supreme Court Would Endanger Us All

Our Land – Video on Eagle Harbor, MD by REI