GreenLatinos celebrates the launch of environmental justice advisory board

NEWS RELEASE
GREENLATINOS
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GreenLatinos is proud to announce the launch of an Environmental Justice Advisory Board in Colorado. 6 GreenLatinos members from across the state gave public comment as well, including three who are appointed to the Environmental Justice Task Force. 

To commemorate this historic moment Ean Thomas Tafoya, GreenLatinos Colorado State DIrector released the following statement:

“Today we celebrate a step forward in ensuring that funds from polluter fines reach our community and laying the foundation to build bridges with the community and the Environmental Justice Ombudsman in the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. We congratulate all those working hard on this board, and those elected yesterday, especially Co-chair Jorge Figueroa. Jorge has dedicated his life to people and the environment. We know CO is in good hands with him working to drive the agenda. To the community we need YOUR involvement to ensure best outcomes and transformational change for our communities”

Jorge Figueroa, Co-Chair of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board and GreenLatinos member since 2018 said:

“Families and children living in disproportionately impacted communities in Colorado have suffered significant health issues for generations. They have the same right to clean water, clean air and uncontaminated soils and bodies just like any other Coloradan. I am so honored to work with the other members of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board to help bring into reality the landmark Environmental Justice Act’s new grant program to fund environmental projects in disproportionately impacted communities and advise the new Environmental Justice Ombudsperson at the CDPHE. Just like COVID-19 has clearly shown how underserved communities and people of color have been hit hardest by the pandemic, the climate change crisis is also expected to disproportionately impact under resourced communities and people of color. I am excited that at this critical moment in time we have such genuine, strong support and commitment to environmental justice from CDPHE’s leadership—from Jill Hunsaker Ryan to Joel Minor and the CDPHE Environmental Justice Unit—and really look forward to helping bring real, tangible change & impact with our work with the Board and local community leaders from all across Colorado.”

Jorge Figueroa, Community Partnerships Administrator, City and County of Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency. 

[email protected] 303-476-1434

Background: HB21-1266 The Environmental Justice Act declares Environmental Justice a statewide policy and requires the implementation of several policies, including the creation of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board.

Environmental Justice Advisory Board Agenda and Material in English and Spanish

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