[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[February 11, 1994]
[Pages 241-242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Memorandum on Environmental Justice
February 11, 1994

Memorandum for the Heads
of All Departments and Agencies

Subject: Executive Order on Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Today I have issued an Executive order on Federal Actions to Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations. That order is designed to focus Federal attention on the 
environmental and human health conditions in minority communities and 
low-income communities with the goal of achieving environmental justice. 
That order is also intended to promote nondiscrimination in Federal 
programs substantially affecting human health and the environment, and 
to provide minority communities and low-income communities access to 
public information on, and an opportunity for public participation in, 
matters relating to human health or the environment.
    The purpose of this separate memorandum is to underscore certain 
provision of existing law that can help ensure that all communities and 
persons across this Nation live in a safe and healthful environment. 
Environmental and civil rights statutes provide many opportunities to 
address environmental hazards in minority communities and low-income 
communities. Application of these existing statutory provisions is an 
important part of this Administration's efforts to prevent those 
minority communities and low-income communities from being subject to 
dis-


[[Page 242]]

proportionately high and adverse environmental effects.
    I am therefore today directing that all department and agency heads 
take appropriate and necessary steps to ensure that the following 
specific directives are implemented immediately:
    In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, each 
Federal agency shall ensure that all programs or activities receiving 
Federal financial assistance that affect human health or the environment 
do not directly, or through contractual or other arrangements, use 
criteria, methods, or practices that discriminate on the basis of race, 
color, or national origin.
    Each Federal agency shall analyze the environmental effects, 
including human health, economic and social effects, of Federal actions, 
including effects on minority communities and low-income communities, 
when such analysis is required by the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. section 4321 et seq. Mitigation measures 
outlined or analyzed in an environmental assessment, environmental 
impact statement, or record of decision, whenever feasible, should 
address significant and adverse environmental effects of proposed 
Federal actions on minority communities and low-income communities.
    Each Federal agency shall provide opportunities for community input 
in the NEPA process, including identifying potential effects and 
mitigation measures in consultation with affected communities and 
improving the accessibility of meetings, crucial documents, and notices.
    The Environmental Protection Agency, when reviewing environmental 
effects of proposed action of other Federal agencies under section 309 
of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. section 7609, shall ensure that the 
involved agency has fully analyzed environmental effects on minority 
communities and low-income communities, including human health, social, 
and economic effects.
    Each Federal agency shall ensure that the public, including minority 
communities and low-income communities, has adequate access to public 
information relating to human health or environmental planning, 
regulations, and enforcement when required under the Freedom of 
Information Act, 5 U.S.C. section 552, the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 
section 552b, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know 
Act, 42 U.S.C. section 11044.

               *  *  *

    This memorandum is intended only to improve the internal management 
of the Executive Branch and is not intended to nor does it create, any 
right, benefit, or trust responsibility, substantive or procedural, 
enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its 
agencies, its officers, or any person.

                                                      William J. Clinton

Note: The Executive order is listed in Appendix D at the end of this 
volume.