One task force member stated that the main problem in coming up with a strategy is lack of direction and a failure to recognize an agency's role in combating the problem. Some of the task forces are attempting to overcome this initial obstacle. Kenneth Olden, co-chair of the task force on research and health, said that at his first task force meeting, an overview and background on environmental justice was given to group members. We also had a review of what the executive order is all about. The executive order calls for all federal agencies to participate and requires that agencies hold public meetings.
Broader participation is needed.
We want to see more discussion from the community. We do not want to have another meeting like the one in February, where there was so much anger and venting. It was the second gathering where co-chairs of the eight Environmental Justice Interagency Task Forces and representatives from the White House met to give the EPA an update on what they were doing to develop an environmental justice strategy. By December 11, each federal agency must present a draft of a proposed environmental justice strategy plan to the subcommittee. I am extremely excited about the progress of the agencies and the committee meeting.