Environmental Justice - Environmental Justice

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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, the Office works collaboratively across state government to advance Environmental Justice and equity in Michigan, as well as addressing Environmental Justice concerns and complaints.

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.
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Environmental Justice Public Advocate Regina Strong leads the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate.

Regina is an effective advocate, powerful communicator and skillful negotiator. For more than 30 years, she has been a leader in public affairs, advocacy and the fight for justice and equity. Achieving environmental justice and intentionally addressing systemic inequities are core elements of Regina’s work.

Previously, she served as the Director of the Sierra Club’s Michigan Beyond Coal Campaign. In that role, she led a team focused on transitioning our energy generation from coal dependency to clean, renewable energy. Regina also previously served as the Executive Director of Community Development Advocates of Detroit, which is the trade association of nonprofit developers building affordable housing in the city. Throughout her career she has advocated and organized to address inequities, ensure communities can speak for themselves and build collaborative opportunities for change.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, as well as a Master of Science degree from Purdue University. Regina is also a Senior Fellow in the Great Lakes Region for the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP).

Contact Regina at StrongR1@Michigan.gov.