Kerry releases IG report criticizing EPA environmental justice reviews

[ProSense]

EPA inspector criticizes agency reviews

By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 54 minutes ago

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The report by the EPA's inspector general, made public Tuesday, says senior EPA officials have not required regional offices and department heads to conduct environmental justice reviews despite a requirement for such reviews dating back to 1994.

A survey by the IG's office found 60 percent of the respondents — regional offices and program departments — had not conducted the reviews and 87 percent said they had not been asked to do them, according to the report.

Such reviews were required by an executive order President Clinton issued in 1994. It was reaffirmed by EPA administrators in 2001 and again last year, said the report by acting Inspector General Bill Roderick.

Until adequate reviews are conducted, "the agency cannot determine whether its programs cause disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations," the report said.

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A copy of the IG report, dated Sept. 18, was released Tuesday by Sen.
John Kerry's office, which said the findings show the EPA is failing to protect minority and low-income communities.

Kerry, D-Mass., said the report shows "this administration couldn't care less" about minority and low-income neighborhoods that often are the site of industrial zones, refineries and power plants.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060919/ap_on_go_ot/environmental_justice_1

[blm]

1. Post in GD - Kerry has always shined a light on environmental racism

when many pols would rather ignore its existence.

[blm]

2. Environment Forum hasn't posted this yet - you might want to add it there

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