Environmental Justice - The term "Environmental Justice" refers to efforts to prevent harms caused by pollution from occurring disproportionately in poor and minority populations. OEQ is conscious of the tendency for polluting industries to be located in predominantly poor and minority communities. Environmentally linked health effects, including asthma and elevated blood lead levels, occur more commonly in poor and minority populations. While there are political, social and economic explanations for why environmental justice problems exist, it is unacceptable for anyone to be exposed to harmful levels of pollutants.

Cincinnati's Environmental Justice Workgroup is preparing a draft Environmental Justice Ordinance for consideration by City Council. For more information about Cincinnati's efforts to promote Environmental Justice, contact Larry Falkin at 352-5325 or larry.falkin@cincinnati-oh.gov.