Joint Public Comment: Creation of the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council

technologypublic comments
Written By Christopher Putney

We applaud the Biden Administration and the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) for launching the inaugural White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council (IAC). This joint public comment, authored with a host of partner organizations working on environmental justice (EJ), underscores the aspects of the IAC’s work we see as vital for effective interagency data and technology use—especially the development of EJ “screening tools.” By establishing a clear organizational vehicle for coordinating among the many agencies and stakeholders working on EJ, we believe federal efforts as a whole will receive the crucial interagency support they need to succeed over the long-term.

We are eager to support the Council’s work however we can in the months and years ahead—and hope that its leadership helps build the robust community of practice around tools and data the nation needs to meet its national EJ goals.

Read the Comment


Do you want to learn more about this topic or give feedback to us and our partners?
Contact Christopher Putney at chris@policyinnovation.org.

Christopher Putney

Christopher leads the Technology Program’s cross-cutting technology talent and workforce initiatives. He also supports EPIC’s evolving legislative affairs work related to environmental tech and data use in government, tech capacity, and other workforce priorities. Before EPIC, he worked in Deloitte’s Government & Public Services practice doing technology modernization, human capital, and workforce strategy, communications, and change management for federal clients in the executive branch and DoD. His previous work spanned sectors and mission-driven teams, and includes roles in politics, non-profits, and academia, a small e-commerce start-up, and working for a Member of Congress. He holds degrees in Government and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin (BA), and in Political Science, from the Graduate Center (Masters), City University of New York (CUNY). His research and teaching interests are at the intersection of democracy, race, and American political development (APD).

Previous

Following the Flow of Investments in Water Infrastructure Projects through the State Revolving Funds (SRFs)
Next

New e-Permitting for Wetland and Stream Permits