Dec 18 -- Comment period extended to January 12, 2024.
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-27632
Oct 13 -- The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) seeks information to assist in developing a coordinated Federal strategy to identify and address gaps in science, data, and research related to environmental justice. Information received through this RFI will inform the biennial Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan. Interested persons and organizations are invited to submit comments on or before December 12, 2023.
On April 21, 2023, President Biden signed Executive Order (E.O.) 14096 to revitalize our nation's commitment to environmental justice for all. As set forth in section 2 of E.O. 14096, “Environmental justice” means 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: (i) 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 (ii) 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.
To address the need for a coordinated Federal strategy to identify and address gaps in science, data, and research related to environmental justice, Section 5 of E.O. 14096 directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish an Environmental Justice Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (Environmental Justice Subcommittee). As directed by the E.O., the Environmental Justice Subcommittee is preparing an Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan (Research Plan) to:
(A) analyze any gaps and inadequacies in data collection and scientific research related to environmental justice, with a focus on gaps and inadequacies that may affect agencies' ability to advance environmental justice, including through the Environmental Justice Strategic Plans required under section 4 of E.O. 14096;
(B) identify opportunities for agencies to coordinate with the research efforts of State, Tribal, territorial, and local governments; academic institutions; communities; the private sector; the non-profit sector; and other relevant actors to accelerate the development of data, research, and techniques—including consideration of Indigenous Knowledge—to address gaps and inadequacies in data collection and scientific research that may affect agencies' ability to advance environmental justice;
(C) provide recommendations to agencies on the development and use of science, data, and research to support environmental justice policy and the agency responsibilities outlined in section 3 of the E.O.;
(D) provide recommendations to the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on data sources to include in the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool established pursuant to section 222(a) of Executive Order 14008;
(E) provide recommendations to agencies on ethical standards, privacy protections, and other requirements for the development and use of science, data, and research addressed in the Research Plan, including recommendations with respect to engaging in consultation with and obtaining consent of Tribal Nations; and
(F) provide recommendations to agencies on:
(1) encouraging participatory science, such as research or data collection undertaken by communities or the public, and, as appropriate, integrating such science into agency decision-making processes;
(2) taking steps to ensure or encourage, as appropriate, that collections of data related to environmental justice include data from the Territories and possessions of the United States;
(3) improving the public accessibility of research and information produced or distributed by the Federal Government, including through the use of machine-readable formats, where appropriate;
(4) disaggregating environmental risk, exposure, and health data by race, national origin, income, socioeconomic status, age, sex, disability, and other readily accessible and appropriate categories;
(5) identifying and addressing data collection challenges related to patterns of historical or ongoing racial discrimination and bias;
(6) analyzing cumulative impacts (including risks) from multiple sources, pollutants or chemicals, and exposure pathways, and accounting for non-chemical stressors and current and anticipated climate change;
(7) in collaboration with Tribal Nations, as appropriate, collecting, maintaining, and analyzing information on consumption patterns of fish, wildlife, and plants related to subsistence and cultural practices of Tribal and Indigenous populations;
(8) providing opportunities for meaningful engagement for communities with environmental justice concerns on the development and design of data collection and research strategies relevant to those communities; and
(9) implementing sections 3–3 and 4–4 of Executive Order 12898 in an efficient and effective manner.
Respondents may provide information as many topics below as they choose. The Subcommittee on Environmental Justice formed under the National Science and Technology Council Committee on the Environment, co-chaired by OSTP, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Transportation (DOT), will develop an Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan. Input is welcome from stakeholders and members of the public representing all backgrounds and perspectives.
To support the development of the Federal Environmental Justice, Science, Data, and Research Plan, OSTP seeks information on the collection and use of science, data, and research in Federal decision making, including on the following topics: . . .
FRN:
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-22527