Environmental Justice

Under Federal Law the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) governs the policies and programs of the Department through the nondiscrimination Title VI and Environmental Justice Program. The law states that no person shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any Civil Rights Act of 1964, the civility Rights Restoration Action of 1987, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other related nondiscrimination laws and requirements.  The Environmental Justice Program under the policy pursues that North Carolinians have 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.

The challenge ahead of the department is integrating this perspective into the core mission of the department, along with the legal and scientific lens guiding how DEQ employees pursue their work now. DEQ’s new mission, “Provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians,” can only be accomplished if fighting for Environmental Justice is part of every DEQ activity.       

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has created a community mapping system, which will be used to inform some department decisions, such as specific plans for local outreach and public participation. Public comments about the beta version of the Community Mapping System have been reviewed for consideration for version 1.0, now available for use.

New! Read the Public Participation Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan.  

Access DEQ's Environmental Justice Reports.

Learn more about the Secretary's Environmental Justice and Equity Board.

Find more information about Title VI Compliance.