President Biden signed an executive order Friday aimed at ensuring federal decisions consider “environmental justice,” which addresses higher pollution burdens often faced by communities of color and people living in poverty.

Driving the news: The new executive order directs agencies to identify and address data and science gaps to help better understand cumulative environmental impacts.

Details: Agencies will “consider measures to address and prevent disproportionate and adverse environmental and health impacts on communities,” such as the cumulative effects of pollution and climate change, according to a White House fact sheet.

• Agencies are also now required to notify nearby communities when toxic substances are released from a federal facility, and to hold public meetings to share information on health risks and precautions as needed.
• This effort will be coordinated via a new branch within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which is headed by a cabinet-level official.

Zoom in: Other pieces, per a […]