John,

Here’s the news: In January, the White House made history by launching Justice40, a commitment to delivering at least 40% of federal climate and clean energy benefits to disadvantaged communities. The big question is — how will these dollars actually reach the people and communities who need them the most?

To assess environmental and economic burdens, federal agencies have developed the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. However, in its current beta version, the tool is missing several key factors needed to properly direct these funds. According to numerous studies, race is the number one indicator of whether or not you live near a polluting facility. Despite this, race has been entirely left out of the Justice40 screening criteria. Another concern is that the tool does not consider the cumulative effects of its various indicators, instead analyzing the factors in isolation. 

The White House is requesting public feedback on the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool by April 25th, and we need your input to ensure climate justice dollars are going to communities that, for far too long, have been left overburdened and underfunded. The tool in its current form will almost certainly leave disadvantaged communities — those impacted first and worst by pollution and climate change — out of luck and out of consideration for billions of dollars in benefits.

Take action BEFORE the April 25 deadline. Help us make sure the tool paints a whole and accurate picture of our country!

Sign the Petition

Consideration of cumulative effects and transparency around race are the only way we ensure the most disadvantaged communities see these Justice40 funds. Any other method denies the harsh realities of what it is to live in a lower-income, Black, or Brown community in America.

Together, we can ensure this historic initiative actually makes a difference for the communities that need it most.

—Ryan Young, Green For All Policy Director

P.S. Want to learn more about Justice40 and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool? Click here to read our blog and use the tool to explore your own community.