Guided by various executive orders (outlined to the right/below) and Department of the Interior policy, BSEE has begun developing an environmental justice strategy and action plan that integrates environmental justice considerations into bureau decision-making and other activities. The Office of the Director is leading the development of this inaugural plan in close coordination with bureau programs, regions, DOI, other federal partners, Tribal Nations, and communities with environmental justice concerns. The BSEE Environmental Justice Strategy and Action Plan will support the DOI Environmental Justice Strategic Plan.
BSEE has started developing this plan with recognition of other related justice efforts, such as the Ocean Justice Strategy and the National Strategy for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, as well as other DOI bureaus’ and offices’ environmental justice implementation strategies and action plans. BSEE aims to complete the development of its Environmental Justice Strategy and Action Plan in 2024.
BSEE has developed a preliminary set of environmental justice goals:
- Institutionalize Environmental Justice: Cultivating bureau environmental justice competency and incorporating environmental justice considerations into bureau actions.
- Deliver Equity through Investments: Advancing equitable access to federal procurement opportunities, resources, and other qualitative benefits.
- Reduce Burdens and Harms: Enhancing compliance and enforcement actions to reduce impacts on communities with environmental justice concerns.
- Advance Meaningful Outreach and Engagement: Fostering opportunities for communities to participate as informed partners in bureau actions that are important to their wellbeing.
Email environmentalstewardship@bsee.gov for more information about our environmental justice efforts and to engage with us on environmental justice-related issues.
Guiding Executive Orders and Policies
BSEE’s environmental justice efforts are guided by various executive orders, Department of the Interior policy, and other related initiatives, including:
- Executive Order 12898 – Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
- Executive Order 13985 – Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
- Executive Order 14008 – Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
- Executive Order 14096 – Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All