San Diego City Wire

The San Diego County is set to launch its first grassroots advisory group focused on enhancing regional livability and resilience. The Environmental Justice Workgroup (EJW), consisting of 21 members, will hold its inaugural meeting tomorrow, January 29. This group aims to benefit the community through climate and resiliency efforts.

Members were chosen from a pool of 141 applicants by representatives from various county offices, including Sustainability and Environmental Justice, Equity and Racial Justice, Immigrant of Refuge Affairs, along with the self-governing San Diego Air Pollution Control District. The selected individuals bring diverse perspectives from community organizations, Tribal Nations, youth groups, and academia. They have formal education or direct experience in ecological and social justice areas.

Focusing on social equity, the EJW intends to influence sustainability policies affecting air quality, healthy food access, and safe outdoor spaces across the region. "It is critical for the people facing daily climate challenges and environmental burdens to have the opportunity to shape any formal response," stated Eden Brukman, Chief Sustainability Officer for the County. "We are honored to partner with the members of this Workgroup and the greater community to advance a just, sustainable, and resilient future for the region."

The EJW members will serve two- or three-year terms in an advisory role. Their recommendations will be shared with OSEJ for county efforts and other jurisdictions directly. For more information about their activities or inquiries related to their work, interested parties can email osej@sdcounty.org.