DOJ Releases First Annual Environmental Progress Report

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has just released a highly-touted “progress report” outlining all the wonderful things the Obama Administration has done to help underserved populations obtain the same degree of protection from health and environmental hazards as their wealthy counterparts.

This may seem like an odd task for the DOJ, the agency charged with defending the interests of the United States and ensuring public safety against foreign and domestic threats. There is a good explanation, however. The administration is associating the program—which so far has cost taxpayers millions of dollars—with justice, thus the name “environmental justice.”  

The goal is to provide all Americans— regardless of race, ethnicity or income status—full protection under the nation’s environmental, civil rights and health laws, says Attorney General Eric Holder. To fulfill this “landmark commitment” full participation is essential across the federal government, according to the president’s environmental justice team.

That’s not to say that Uncle Sam isn’t doling out large sums of money to leftist community groups—including some dedicated to helping illegal immigrants—that are assisting with this crucial government environmental justice crusade. Last year the administration distributed north of $10 million in environmental justice grants and several million have already been allocated this year with more expected to come in the next few months.  

In a statement announcing the report this week, the DOJ offers a brief explanation for operating this particular justice program; because it recognizes that low-income, minority, and Native American communities are often disproportionately burdened with pollution, resulting in disproportionate health problems, greater obstacles to economic growth, and a lower quality of life.

The report offers examples of the DOJ’s “achievements” in carrying out its “environmental justice strategy.” For instance, a special DOJ mediation and conciliation division helped a “predominantly African American community” in Illinois that was “disproportionately experiencing the burdens of pollution.” The agency also took action on behalf of an “association of Hispanic residents” in Texas who accused U.S. Customs and Border Protection of using dangerous herbicides without adequately notifying them in Spanish.