The introduction was followed by presentations from two speakers from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and our NOS AA, Nicole LeBoeuf. Discussions included environmental injustices such as limited engagement and interaction with historically excluded communities and lack of consideration of the impacts resulting from repeated or cumulative trauma or exposure.  Several ideas were shared could help improve how we include consideration of EJ in our work including tailoring data to meet the needs of disproportionately impacted communities, understanding local climate impacts, sharing information and responsibilities to increase resources, and building trust and relationships with communities who we have not previously prioritized.

EJ was also a topic discussed at the recent OR&R Communications Team's Operational Meeting during a panel discussion with OR&R staff and an EJ expert from EPA. OR&R staff shared whether and how we are addressing EJ within OR&R (and how we might start to do this better).

For more information, please contact Reyhan.Mehran@noaa.gov or Jessica.White@noaa.gov.