2012 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program Concludes with Success

May 7, 2012 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2012) - Last month, hundreds of attendees from across
the government, business, academia and grassroots communities came together to share views, challenges and discuss solutions for one very important topic--environmental justice (EJ).

The 2012 National Environment Justice Conference and Training Program (NEJC) was hosted in Washington, DC. April 11-13. The conference proved to be an innovative three day exchange of approaches to EJ and related matters.

The interactive sessions featured a diverse group of representatives from federal and state agencies, local governments, tribes, community groups, business and industry, public interest groups, academia and other entities. The groups shared relative
experiences and research of successful and unsuccessful programs and featured the needs and challenges of communities, governments, municipalities, tribes, faithbased
organizations and others with an interest in environmental matters.

The 2012 NEJC’s agenda provided panel discussions, Q&A segments, online and other training and networking opportunities. It explored an array of topics including Title VI, Health Disparities and Community Solutions. This year’s conference introduced training segments that focused on grant writing, technical assistance and more. It focused on the enhancement of communities and provided ways for improved productivity and efficiency.

Attendees were addressed by speakers ranging from The Honorable Thomas P. D’Agostino, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator for the National Nuclear Security Administration to (D) Congresswoman Donna Christensen, MD., U.S. Virgin Islands, community environmentalist Jacqueline Shirley of Alaska and community activist and EJ champion Dr. Mildred McClain.

The conference’s partnership with Howard University School of Law produced a plethora of networking opportunities among students, faculty, community, business and government leaders. EJ combines civil rights with environmental protection. It gives voice to communities that have
been historically excluded from environmental decision making.