Environmental Justice Funds Seen as Just a Start for Advocates

The Biden administration’s environmental justice efforts scored a big funding boost in the $1.5 trillion government spending bill, but advocates worry whether the increased attention can be sustained given years of promises that have failed to yield results in their communities.

One of the largest wins for the Environmental Protection Agency’s equity activities is the $100 million earmarked for its environmental justice programs, a sizable $83 million increase over fiscal 2021 funding.

The increase will support grants to disadvantaged communities but also allow the agency to bolster its ability to integrate environmental justice efforts across its entire mission, including clean ...