Jean Chemnick
For decades, government officials have too often ignored front-line communities when it comes to pollution protection and public amenities. President Biden has given three top White House officials until May 27 to figure out how to fix that.
In a climate-focused executive order issued Jan. 27, Biden set a high bar for Cecilia Martinez, incoming White House Council on Environmental Quality senior director for environmental justice; Neera Tanden, Office of Management and Budget director nominee; and Gina McCarthy, White House domestic climate adviser.
They were given 120 days to formulate recommendations to meet a goal that 40% of overall benefits flow to disadvantaged communities from certain federal investments in areas such as clean energy and energy efficiency, public transit, and affordable and sustainable housing.
The 40% directive appears to cover spending from future legislation — such as Biden’s proposed economic recovery and infrastructure packages — as well as existing federal programs.
