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Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate

Detroit March for Justice 2015: a diverse crowd holding signs related to Environmental Justice
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate

The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate was created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2019-06 to serve as an external and internal advocate and catalyst for ensuring Environmental Justice throughout the state. Led by the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, Regina Strong, the Office works collaboratively across state government to advance Environmental Justice and equity in Michigan, as well as addressing Environmental Justice concerns and complaints.

What is Environmental Justice?

Environmental Justice is the equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, ability, or income and is critical to the development and application of laws, regulations, and policies that affect the environment, as well as the places people live, work, play, worship, and learn.

A close-up of a wild rice plant

Learn about Environmental Justice

People and the environment are inextricably linked, yet for some low-income people, Black people, indigenous people, or people of color that link can be fraught with challenges.

More about the movement
Regina Strong speaking to audience at Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition meeting April 18 2019
A room full of conference attendees, being presented to. The title of the presentation is Midwest Regional Thriving Communities Convening

Environmental Justice funding opportunities

The Office provides Environmental Justice Impact Grants to positively impact residents in Environmental Justice communities by funding place-based and equity-focused projects. We also share information about other important funding opportunities of interest to Environmental Justice communities. 

A group of about 50 people standing outside in front of a long wooden canoe

Tribal relations

EGLE recognizes and supports the unique status of tribes in Michigan as sovereign governments with an inherent right to self-governance and self-determination and commits to meaningful communication and coordination on actions and decisions that affect their land, air, and water. 

Learn more about Tribal Relations at EGLE
Michigan Environmental Justice Conference

Michigan Environmental Justice Conference

The Office brings together individuals and groups from across the state and beyond to discuss and work toward advancing Environmental Justice in Michigan

Learn more about the conference
Preview of the draft MiEJScreen app

MiEJScreen application (Version 1.0)

The Office, in cooperation with the IEJRT Team Data and Research Workgroup, has developed MiEJScreen, an interactive mapping tool, in response to the dedicated advocacy of community members and the 2018 recommendations from the Michigan Environmental Justice Workgroup.

Explore the MiEJScreen screening tool

Nondiscrimination in EGLE Programs (English, El español and العربية)

Everyone in Michigan deserves meaningful access and equitable opportunity to participate and provide input in EGLE’s programs, activities, and services.

Learn more about nondiscrimination in EGLE programs

Contact us

You can contact the Office with a question or a concern. You can also join our email list to keep up with important actions. 

You can also reach the office directly by emailing Regina Strong at StrongR1@Michigan.gov or Katie Lambeth at LambethK@Michigan.gov.

Sign up for email updates Submit an EJ concern