2014 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program Summary Report

Summary Report

The 2014 National Environmental Justice Conference & Training Program prepares communities through capacity building and technical assistance to plan for the next 20 years of Environmental Justice.

The Board of Directors of the National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc. held the 2014 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program in Washington, DC, March 26 through 28, 2014. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the USDA Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Howard University School of Law and various corporate entities sponsored the event that brought together members of government, academia, Tribal Nations, community, and business leaders to share ideas and discuss common, environmental-related issues. The Grand Opening Plenary Session and the Welcome Reception were held on day one at the Howard University School of Law. The opening plenary session addressed the implementation of Executive Order 13650, “Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security,” signed

by President Obama in August 2013. Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response at EPA, provided the keynote address. He was followed by a panel comprised of members from environmental advocacy groups, the American Chemical Council, and the United Steelworkers.

The Honorable Congressman James E. Clyburn (Democrat, South Carolina) was the Keynote Speaker on day two of the conference. He was joined by the Honorable Congresswoman Donna Christensen, M.D. (U.S. Virgin Islands); DOE Deputy Under Secretary David Klaus. Day three featured U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Arthur Blazer and Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., Senior Servant, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, D. C. Conference attendees could also participate in 2-day Training and Technical Assistance Workshop tracks that offered face-to-face EJ training, grant writing, and technical assistance. In addition, the tracks included training titled “Developing the Framework for Leadership and Change in Communities with Environmental Justice Concerns,” and a workshop on “Exploring Environmental Justice Stakeholders’ Use and Awareness of Online Environmental Information Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping Web Sites.”

This year’s conference also honored the 20-year anniversary of Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.” In recognition of this historic milestone, a celebratory program and reception was held the evening of March 27, and awards were presented to several pioneers of the EJ movement. Individual Pioneer Award recipients were Dollie Burwell from Warren County, North Carolina, and Harold Mitchell from Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Organization Pioneer Award went to DOE’s Massie Chairs of Excellence. With more than 380 registrants, attendees from across government, business, academia, and communities came together to share views and challenges, and to discuss solutions for one very important topic: environmental justice.

Day One Wednesday, March 26

Dean Okianer Christian Dark welcomed the 2014 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program attendees to the Opening Plenary Session at the Howard University School of Law on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Dean Dark’s remarks were followed by remarks from NEJC Board of Directors members, Timothy Fields, Jr. and Vernice Miller-Travis.

Dean Okianer Chistian Dark

Vernice Miller-Travis

Timothy Fields Jr.

Following open remarks, NEJC Board of Directors member, Timothy Fields, moderated the Opening Plenary Session focused on the Implementation of Executive Order 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.

The session opened with Keynote Speaker Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency. Panel Members Richard Moore, Judah Prero, Anna Fendley, and Yudith Nieto followed keynote remarks with their panel discussion.

Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency

Day One Wednesday, March 26

Panelist and NEJC Board of Directors member Richard Moore…….

Panelist, Yudith Nieto …..

Day Two Thursday, March 27

Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Carolyn Sawyer, initiated day two of the conference and introduced NEJC Board of Directors Chairman Benjamin F. Wilson, Kim Lambert from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Dr. Lonnie Sharp from Tennessee State University to give opening remarks.

Lonnie Sharpe, Ph.D., P.E., Samuel P. Massie Chairs of Excellence, Tennessee State University Dr. David Rivers of the Medical University of South Carolina addresses conference attendees and introduces keynote speaker, The Honorable Congresswoman Donna Christensen, M.D. (D. U.S.V.I)

Dr. David Rivers, Associate Professor, Medical University of South Carolina and Director, Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO)

The Honorable Congresswoman Donna Christensen, M.D.

Day Two Thursday, March 27 Moderator Kimberly Winter, from USDA Forest Service, provided an introduction for the panel Environmental Opportunities to Rapidly Changing American Demographics: Hispanic Communities.

Panelists Tamberly Conway and Natasha Kerr discussed the importance of diversity in natural resources activities and hiring. Tamberly Conway shared tools to improve community outreach and conservation education in the Latino community. Natasha Kerr presented field-training programs for Hispanic youth through Environment for the Americas.

Melinda Downing, Environmental Justice Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Energy, introduces Keynote Speaker the Honorable James E. Clyburn, Assistant Democratic Leader (Democrat, 6th District, SC).

Congressman Clyburn‌‌.

Day Two Thursday, March 27 Community Experiences Emily L. Harris, MPH of Faulkner County Citizens Advisory Group, explained CATCH 22 – The March 29, 2013 Mayflower Arkansas Pegasus Pipeline Rupture and Response. Community Based Environmental Activism at Risk.

Natalie Randolph, Senior Advisor, Office of the Secretary at DOE introduced Keynote Speaker DOE Deputy Under Secretary David Klaus.

Deputy Under Secretary Klaus and DOE Honoree de’Lisa Carrico

Kathleen R. Mecca, Joseph Golombek, Jr., Ron Rienas and Terrence A. Robinson presented Finding Common Ground: The True Power and Value of Capacity Building in Environmental Justice Communities, which focused on the heavy traffic and pollution from the Buffalo, NY Peace Bridge.

Deputy Under Secretary Klaus and DOE Honoree Dr. David Rivers

Deputy Under Secretary Klaus and DOE Honoree Kay Wagner

Day Two Thursday, March 27 Dr. David Rivers (MUSC) gave an overview of the panel, Environmental Justice: How Social Determinants Affect Health Disparities and introduced panelists Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis; Dr. Laura Anderko; Matthew Del Muro; Tami Thomas-Burton; and Lois Wessel. Dr. Laura Anderko presented on Environmental Public Health Tracking to explore the effect of climate change and health disparities.

Matthew Del Muro analyzed the spatial distribution of poverty in connection to drinking water pollution in Los Angeles County. Lois Wessel presents the Association of Clinicians for the underserved Georgetown School of Nursing and Health Studies. The audience was very engaging.

Day Two also saw presentations on Planning Tools and Practices for Environmental Justice.

Sharon B. Beard presented models to address occupational health disparities and environmental justice, including the Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program, the Minority Worker Training Program, and the Hazmat Disaster Preparedness Training Program. The integration of environment justice as a critical function in addressing environmental public health concerns was discussed by Suzanne K. Condon. Dr. Eduardo Olaguer described the Benzene and other toxics (Bee-Tex) study of human exposure to and source attribution of air toxics. TraceĂŠ Strum-Gilliam spoke about the environmental justice implications for the Baltimore Red Line Transit project.

Day Two Thursday, March 27

Day Two Thursday, March 27 The second day of the conference program concluded with panel presentations on Environmental Justice and Indigenous People. Marissa Knodel of Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and Vermont Law School presented, “Conceptualizing Climate Justice in Kivalina, Alaska.”

“Environmental Justice and Indigenous People: Looking Forward from all Levels Grass Roots to Policy,” was presented by Economist, Iris D. Ponsano from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Daniel E. Gogal, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist, Tribal Program Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Keely M. Hite, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Consultation Branch, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), United States Department of the Interior; Brian Krevor, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Branch for Renewable Energy, Office of Renewable Energy Program, BOEM, United States Department of the Interior; Katsi Cook, Akwesasne Mohawk Tribe. Iris D. Ponsano presented on project level environmental justice and federally recognized tribes. Keely M. Hite spoke about the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s strategies to impact environmental justice and indigenous communities., including their mission to manage the ocean energy and mineral resources on the Nation’s Outer Continental Shelf in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Brian Krevor discussed the visualization study offshore in North Carolina as an example of future application for visual simulations to support environmental justice and indigenous people.

Day Three Friday, March 28 The second full day of the conference program opened with Panel: Environmental Justice Planning Tools and Practices. Panelist, Yolanda Manzone, J.D., Environmental Justice Leader, Community Benefits Team, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission presented “Moving Beyond Environmental Justice Mitigation – Building healthy, vibrant communities through equitable infrastructure investments.” Manzone discusses rebuilding sewer system in a manner that supports a healthy place for the surrounding communities.

Panelist, MaKara Rumley, Environmental Justice Attorney, GreenLaw presented “Fulton County Leads Environmental Justice Policy in Georgia.”

Michael W. Burns, Senior Advisor to the EPA Region 4, Regional Administrator, closed panel discussions by speaking about “The College/Underserved Community Partnership Program (CUPP).”

Tony Tooke, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System, U.S. Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture introduced Keynote Speaker Deputy Under Secretary Arthur “Butch” Blazer.

Day Three Friday, March 28

The Environmental Justice: The Next Generation of Leaders panel was introduced by Dameone Ferguson, Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy, NNSA. Ferguson presented on the eligibility and benefits of National Nuclear Security Administration Student Programs.

Prescott Reavis, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, SEED and Katherine Williams, NOMA, AIA spoke about “Engaging Youth as Civic Activtists in the Design and Development of HOPE San Francisco housing,” including student engagement, child friendly cities, and inspiring active citizens.

“Elements of an Urban Ubuntu (EUU)” was presented by Amtchat Edwards and Michaela Hall from the USDA Forest Service. EUU is a case study of best practices on the next generation of leaders.

Dr. David Rivers (MUSC) introduced luncheon Keynote Speaker, Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., Senior Servant, Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Day Three Friday, March 28 Yahaira Lopez, Special Assistant to the Chief, Natural Resources, Conservation Service, USDA moderated the Panel: USDA StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity: Interagency Collaboration around EJ in Rural Communities. Panelists included Curtis Winn, President, Roanoke Electric Cooperative of Aulander, NC; Richard Moore, Coordinator, Los Jardines(The Gardens) Institute, CoChair Environmental Justice and Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform; and, Ron Harris, Director of Outreach, NRCS, USDA.

The last panel presentation of the 2014 Conference was Case Studies: Using Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to Achieve Environmental Justice moderated by Daria Neal, Esq., Deputy Chief, Federal Compliance Section, Civil Right Division, U.S. Department of Justice. Panelists speaking on the subject included, James T. Esselman, Special Counsel, Federal Highway Administration; Helena Wooden-Aguilar, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Marianne Engelman Lado, Managing Attorney, Northeast Office, Earthjustice.

Closing Remarks of the 2014 National Environmental Justice Conference & Training Program were given by Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc., Timothy Fields, Jr., in addition to Environmental Justice Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Energy, Melinda Downing.

“Enhancing Communities Through Capacity Building and Technical Assistance” “Environmental Justice: The Next 20 Years” AGENDA

DAY 1–WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014 GRAND OPENING PLENARY SESSION AND RECEPTION Howard University School of Law Moot Court Room 2900 Van Ness Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 5:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. The 2014 National Environmental Justice Conference and Training Program Kick-Off Welcome/Opening Remarks

Okianer Christian Dark Dean Howard University School of Law Timothy Fields, Jr. Senior Vice President, MDB, Inc. Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc. Vernice Miller-Travis Senior Associate, Skeo Solutions Member, Board of Directors National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc.

5:30 p.m.—7:15 p.m. Opening Plenary Session—Implementation of Executive Order 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security This session will address the implementation of the Executive Order on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security issued by President Obama in August 2013, the associated environmental justice issues and concerns, and how to reduce the risks posed by chemical facilities to workers and communities.

Moderator:

Timothy Fields Senior Vice President MDB, Inc.

Keynote Speaker:

Mathy Stanislaus Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response United States Environmental Protection Agency

Panel Members:

Richard Moore Coordinator, Los Jardines (The Gardens) Institute Co-Chair, Environmental Justice and Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform Judah Prero Assistant General Counsel American Chemistry Council Anna Fendley Legislative Representative United Steelworkers Yudith Nieto Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services Houston, Texas

7:15 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Reception

DAY 2–THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 FIRST FULL DAY OF THE 2014 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Washington Marriott at Metro Center Grand Ballroom Salons A-D 775 12th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005 7:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Registration Exhibit Hall Open

8:00 a.m.—8:45 a.m.

Welcome/Opening Remarks Mistress of Ceremonies Ms. Carolyn Sawyer Communications Strategist Tom Sawyer Company Benjamin F. Wilson, Esq. Managing Principal Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., Chairman, Board of Directors National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc. Kim Lambert Environmental Justice Coordinator U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lonnie Sharpe, Ph.D., P.E Samuel P. Massie Chairs of Excellence Tennessee State University

8:45 a.m.—9:30 a.m.

Introduction of Keynote Speaker Dr. David Rivers, Associate Professor, Medical University of South Carolina and Director, Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO)

Opening Keynote Speaker The Honorable Congresswoman Donna Christensen, M.D., (Democrat, U.S. Virgin Islands) 9:30 a.m.—9:45 a.m.

Break

9:45 a.m.—10:45 a.m.

Panel: Customizing Environmental Education, Training, and Employment Opportunities to Rapidly Changing American Demographics: Hispanic Communities Moderator and Overview Kimberly Winter USDA Forest Service Tamberly Conway USDA Forest Service Natasha Kerr Environment for the Americas

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Introduction of Keynote Speaker Melinda Downing, Environmental Justice Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy Keynote Speaker The Honorable James E. Clyburn Assistant Democratic Leader (Democrat, 6th District, South Carolina)

11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Panel Presentations: Community Experiences “CATCH 22- The March 29, 2013 Mayflower Arkansas Pegasus Pipeline Rupture and Response. Community Based Environmental Activism at Risk” Emily L. Harris, MPH Faulkner County Citizens Advisory Group

“Finding Common Ground: The True Power & Value of Capacity Building in Environmental Justice Communities” Kathleen R. Mecca, President, Columbus Park Neighborhood Association, Buffalo, NY Joseph Golombek, Jr., Councilman, City of Buffalo Common Council, Buffalo, NY Ron Rienas, General Manager, Peace Bridge Authority, Fort Erie, ON (Canada) Terrence A. Robinson, Member, City of Buffalo Preservation Board, Buffalo, NY 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Break

12:45 p.m.— 1:30 p.m.

Introduction of Keynote Speaker Natalie Randolph Senior Advisor Office of the Secretary U.S. Department of Energy Remarks & Presentation of Awards The Honorable David Klaus Deputy UnderSecretary U. S. Department of Energy

1:30 p.m.--1:45 p.m.

Break

1:45 p.m.—3:15 p.m.

Panel: Environmental Justice: How Social Determinants Affect Health Disparities Overview and Introduction Dr. David Rivers, Associate Professor, Medical University of South Carolina and Director, Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO) Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, Professor and Director, National La Raza, The Center for Latino Community, California State University Long Beach Foundation Long Beach, CA (Creating a Community Health Worker Movement in Environmental Justice) Laura Anderko, RN, PhD, School of Nursing & Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC

(Environmental public health tracking, climate change, and environmental justice in the District of Columbia) Matthew Del Muro Undergraduate Student University of Southern California Tami Thomas-Burton, B.S., MPH U.S. EPA – Region 4 (Community Engagement and Community Capacity Building through the use of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in Overburdened Communities) Lois Wessel, RN, CFNP Associate Director for Programs Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) Georgetown School of Nursing and Health Studies 3:15 p.m.— 4:15 p.m.

Panel: Environmental Justice Planning Tools and Practices Sharon D. Beard Industrial Hygienist, WETB NIEHS, NIH, DHHS (Environmental Safety & Health Training) Suzanne K. Condon, Associate Commissioner Director, Bureau of Environmental Health Massachusetts Department of Public Health Dr. Eduardo P. Olaguer Program Director, Air Quality Science Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) The Woodlands, Texas Traceé Strum-Gilliam, AICP Senior Professional Associate Senior Supervising Environmental Engineer Parsons Brinckerhoff Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore Red Line)

4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Panel Presentations: Environmental Justice and Indigenous People “Conceptualizing Climate Justice in Kivalina, Alaska” Marissa Knodel Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Vermont Law School

“Environmental Justice and Indigenous People: Looking Forward from all Levels Grass Roots to Policy” Iris D. Ponsano Economist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Daniel E. Gogal Senior Environmental Protection Specialist Tribal Program Manager U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Keely M. Hite Environmental Protection Specialist Environmental Consultation Branch Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) United States Department of the Interior Brian Krevor Environmental Protection Specialist Environment Branch for Renewable Energy Office of Renewable Energy Program, BOEM United States Department of the Interior Katsi Cook Akwesasne Mohawk Tribe 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Break

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898 Program and Reception

DAY 3–FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 SECOND FULL DAY OF THE 2014 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE AND TRAINING PROGRAM Washington Marriott at Metro Center Grand Ballroom Salons A-D 775 12th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005 8:00 a.m.— 4:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open Mistress of Ceremonies Ms. Carolyn Sawyer Communication Strategist Tom Sawyer Company

8:00 a.m.—9:-15 a.m.

Panel: Environmental Justice Planning Tools and Practices Yolanda Manzone, J.D. Environmental Justice Leader, Community Benefits Team San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (“Moving Beyond Environmental Justice Mitigation – Building healthy, vibrant communities through equitable infrastructure investments”) MaKara Rumley Environmental Justice Attorney GreenLaw Atlanta, Georgia (“Fulton County Leads Environmental Justice Policy in Georgia”) Michael W. Burns Senior Advisor to the EPA Region 4, Regional Administrator (“The College/Underserved Community Partnership Program (CUPP”)

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Introduction of Keynote Speaker Tony Tooke Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System U.S. Forest Service United States Department of Agriculture

Opening Keynote Speaker Deputy UnderSecretary Arthur "Butch" Blazer Natural Resources and Environment United States Department of Agriculture 10:00 a.m.—10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Environmental Justice: The Next Generation of Leaders Introduction & Overview: Dameone Ferguson Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, NNSA “Engaging Youth as Civic Activists in the Design and Development of HOPE San Francisco Housing” Prescott Reavis NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, SEED Katherine Williams NOMA AIA

11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.

“Elements of an Urban Ubuntu (EUU)” Amtchat Edwards USDA Forest Service Michaela Hall USDA Forest Service

EUU is a case study of best practices on leading the next generation of leaders to lead themselves.

The EUU story involves Federally Employed Job Corps Alumni (FEJCA) and USDA Forest Service Conservation Education (CE) programs. The experience centers around Forest Service’s work with Outdoor Nation (ON).

12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Break

12:30 p.m.—1:15 p.m.

Lunch Introduction of Keynote Speaker Dr. David Rivers, Associate Professor, Medical University of South Carolina and Director, Public Information and Community Outreach (PICO)

Luncheon Keynote Speaker Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. Senior Servant Metropolitan Baptist Church Washington, D. C. 1:15 p.m.—1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m.

Break Panel: USDA StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity: Interagency Collaboration around EJ in Rural Communities Moderator Yahaira Lopez Special Assistant to the Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA Curtis Winn President, Roanoke Electric Cooperative Aulander, NC Richard Moore Coordinator, Los Jardines (The Gardens) Institute Co-Chair, Environmental Justice and Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform Ron Harris Director of Outreach, NRCS USDA

2:30 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

Panel: Case Studies: Using Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to Achieve Environmental Justice Moderator Daria Neal, Esq. Deputy Chief Federal Compliance Section, Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice James T. Esselman Special Counsel Federal Highway Administration Helena Wooden-Aguilar Acting Deputy Director Office of Civil Rights U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Marianne Engelman Lado Managing Attorney, Northeast Office Earthjustice

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has been one of several tools used to address disproportionate environmental and human health impacts. This session will discuss recent activities of some federal agencies to strengthen their Title VI enforcement and compliance activities.

4:00 p.m.—4:15 pm

Closing Remarks Timothy Fields, Jr. Senior Vice President, MDB, Inc. Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc. Melinda Downing, Environmental Justice Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy

NOTICE: The National Environmental Justice Conference, Inc., prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and sex. Persons who need special accommodations to fully participate in the conference, workshops, or training programs, and persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Conference Coordinator at 202-827-2224.

Because of chemical sensitivity of many people, we are requesting that attendees wear unscented toiletry items. Images from this conference may be captured, published and distributed.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS Washington Marriott at Metro Center London Rooms 1 & 2 775 12th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005 DAY 2–THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 9:45 a.m. — 10:45 a.m.

Face-to-Face Environmental Justice Training Mustafa S. Ali Associate Director Office of Environmental Justice Environmental Protection Agency 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Developing the Framework for Leadership and Change in Communities with Environmental Justice Concerns Sheryl Good EPA, Region 4, Office of Regional Administrator Office of EJ and Sustainability Lasima Turmon - Graniteville Community Development and Improvement Corporation Rev. Brendolyn Jenkins - Imani Group Karen Sprayberry - South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Participants will discuss the Leaders in Environmental Action Pilot (LEAP) and share information on the collaborative, problem-solving approach that was used to assist the organizations in addressing their concerns. Participants will also learn from a DVD chronicling the LEAP effort, as well as participate in interactive exercises using the Workbook developed as a result of the LEAP project, by relating this information to specific examples in their own communities. At the end of the session, participants will be able to: establish a process to identify and prioritize community and organizational issues; assess the organizational capacity of the organization and develop a plan to develop leaders within the community and organization; understand how to build consensus and deal with conflict; identify and secure partners and resources; and understand the importance of having a well-structured, well-managed organization.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Workshop: Exploring Environmental Justice Stakeholders’ Use and Awareness of Online Environmental Information Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping Web Sites Ms. Mirabel L. Weriwoh, B.S., MSPH, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN This workshop will introduce stakeholders to the Environmental Justice Community Information Website, developed and maintained over the past three years through a partnership between Tennessee State University (TSU) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The primary focus of this session is facilitating environmental justice stakeholder participation in community-based research using online GIS mapping resources.

4:00 pm – Welcome and Introductions 4:15 pm – Introduction to the Community Environmental Justice Information Web Site https://sites.google.com/site/ejinfotnstate/home 4:20 pm – Tutorial: The U.S. EPA Environmental Justice Viewer http://epamap14.epa.gov/ejmap/ejmap.aspx 4:35 pm – Tutorial: The National Institutes of Health TOXMAP Site http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/main/index.jsp 4:50 pm – Participant Survey and Q & A DAY 3–FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 10:15a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Grant Writing and Technical Assistance Ms. Deborah N. Blacknall, Grants Administrator and Assistant Officer, Office of Sponsored Programs, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC Ms. Gwendolyn F. Mitchell Ulmer, Grant Administrator, Office of Sponsored Programs, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC Part 1. Ready, Set: Give Me Your Money, What’s In A Name? and Do We Really Want To Do This?

Terms and Techniques of Grant Writing Part 2. Go: How Do We Do It? and How Much Do We Need? Developing a Proposal and Budget Part 3. Where Is The Money? Finding Available Grant Funding Agencies

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Conference Dates: March 11 through 13, 2015

2015 Conference Registration Fees: Students, Faculty, Community Members and Organizations, Government Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE Corporate and General Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125.00

To Register for Conference and Hotel: www.thenejc.org

Location: Washington Marriott at Metro Center Grand Ballroom Salons A-D 775 12th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005

For More Information Contact: Lloyd Moore Conference Coordinator email@thenejc.org (202) 827-2224

Melissa Downing Environmental Justice Program Manager Melinda.Downing@hq.doe.gov (202) 586-7703

SUMMARY REPORT