Title VI and Environmental Justice
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." In 1994, Executive Order (EO) 12898, "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations," was issued. EO 12898 emphasized a federal agency's responsibility to make environmental justice a goal by identifying and addressing the effects of programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. This is accomplished by involving the public in developing transportation projects that fit within their communities without sacrificing equity, environmental justice and safety.
Evaluation of Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice is considered as part of the environmental review process. ADOT EJ guidance is contained in the ADOT CE Checklist Manual and the NEPA EA/EIS Guidance. A Screening Checklist and supplemental Environmental Justice and Title VI Analysis Procedures are listed below:
- Environmental Justice (EJ) Screening Checklist for Categorical Exclusion Projects
- Environmental Justice and Title VI Analysis Procedures
- FHWA Guidance on Title VI and Environmental Justice: This provides information on Environmental Justice history, policy documents, FAQ’s, case studies, training, and resources.
- Environmental Justice Flowcharts
FHWA Environmental Justice (EJ) Reference Guide: This reference guide is a resource to help ensure compliance with EJ requirements. It presents techniques for conducting activities related to EJ: data collection and analysis. It includes a brief history of EJ, an explanation of its relationship to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and a list of definitions.
Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Justice and Executive Order 12898:
U.S. Department of Transportation Environmental Justice Order 5610.2(a)
The Department of Transportation (the Department or U.S. DOT) issued an update to Departmental Order 5610.2(a) (Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations). This Order updates the Department's original Environmental Justice Order, which was published April 15, 1997. The Order continues to be a key component of the Department's strategy to promote the principles of environmental justice in all Departmental programs, policies, and activities.
Federal Highway Administration Environmental Justice Order 6640.23A
This FHWA directive establishes policies and procedures for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to use in complying with Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (EO 12898), dated February 11, 1994. This directive cancels FHWA Order 6640.23 FHWA Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, dated December 2, 1998.
Executive Order 13166 - Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency
On August 11, 2000, the President signed Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to FHWA Order 6640.23A Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency". The Executive Order requires Federal agencies to examine the services they provide, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and develop and implement a system to provide those services so LEP persons can have meaningful access to them.
Limited English Proficiency Guidance - Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - National Origin Discrimination Against Persons With Limited English Proficiency
This LEP Guidance sets forth the compliance standards that recipients of Federal financial assistance must follow to ensure that their programs and activities normally provided in English are accessible to LEP persons and thus do not discriminate on the basis of national origin in violation of Title VI's prohibition against national origin discrimination.
