Sources at the White House have confirmed that an executive order directing federal agencies to put more focus on environmental polices that do harm to communities is expected to be signed by U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday.
The establishment of a new Office of Environmental Justice within the White House aimed at coordinating efforts across the government will follow the order that would also require federal agencies to notify communities if toxic substances are released from a federal facility.
High rates of environmental damage that some communities experience was brought to fore by disasters like the February derailment of a freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, that caused a hazardous chemical spill.
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“For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, under investment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination,” the White House said in a statement.
The initiative will be announced by President Biden during an event at the White House Rose Garden on Friday.
The president has regularly used executive authority in areas of focus, including the environment and race, where his ability to deliver new laws from a divided Congress has been stymied.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Miami on Friday to announce a $562 million investment in helping communities become more resilient to climate change, a White House official said.
Harris’ trip comes as South Florida struggles with gasoline shortages after flooding last week disrupted deliveries and prompted some panic buying at the pump.
Story was adapted from Reuters.
