The Department of Homeland Security (Department or DHS) invites comment and feedback from Tribal Nations and indigenous peoples on barriers and challenges, suggestions, and ideas to help advance the Department’s environmental justice program, help DHS conduct meaningful engagement of the public in decision making, and address challenges facing environmental justice communities related to DHS programs and activities.  On December 18, 2023, DHS issued a Request for Information (RFI) Federal Register :: Request for Information Regarding Department of Homeland Security Activities and Advancing Environmental Justice, Docket ID: DHS-2023-0048, asking specific questions. The public comment period will be open for 60 days, closing on February 16, 2024.

Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, signed April 21, 2023, defines “environmental justice” as the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:

1. are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and
2. have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.

DHS will host three virtual information and listening sessions via Zoom during the public comment period to hear participants’ responses to the questions in the RFI.

Please register to attend one of the information and listening sessions through the links below:

•  Friday January 19, 2:00-3:30 PM, Eastern Time – Session 1: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gsR3Ue5UR5mxjiBLstD7nQ (-> lnks.gd)
•  Tuesday, January 23, 2:00-3:30 PM, Eastern Time – Session 2, Tribal and Indigenous peoples: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TnXdmN9ZSDGqy5LxnlKxeg (-> lnks.gd)
• Monday, January 29, 3:30-5:00 PM, Eastern Time – Session 3:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fNpD6F9WRiaY5hLPkMYtyA (-> lnks.gd)

For more information on the DHS Environmental Justice Program, please visit www.dhs.gov/dhs-environmental-justice-strategy (-> lnks.gd).  For questions, please contact dhsenvironmentaljustice@hq.dhs.gov.