Description:
This two-day course provides a comprehensive review of Environmental Justice requirements for federal transit projects, and how these requirements affect transportation decision-making. The course includes a summary of the evolution of Environmental Justice requirements, discussion of how Environmental Justice is defined, application of Environmental Justice in different contexts and project scales, and a look ahead to what Environmental Justice may entail for the future.
Participants will learn how to integrate Environmental Justice considerations throughout the project life cycle including planning, project development, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review processes, design, construction, and operation. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, scenarios, and class activities, participants will be challenged to explore the evolving expectations around Environmental Justice, and the relationship of Environmental Justice to advancing more equitable transportation outcomes. Class materials and discussions will focus on examples of best practices and lessons learned using real project examples and experiences.
At the end of the course, participants will know how to:
● Define Environmental Justice requirements.
● Assess when and how Environmental Justice requirements apply.
● Evaluate the types of impacts and benefits that are important for consideration in Environmental Justice analysis.
● Identify the various possible approaches within the project life cycle for considering Environmental Justice.
● Implement strategies for meaningfully engaging the public in the assessment of potential Environmental Justice considerations.
Target Audience:
Staff from MPOs, state DOTs, and transit agencies who are responsible for implementing Environmental Justice principles in transportation planning and project delivery will benefit by learning practical applications of federal laws, regulations, policies, and guidance to address environmental justice considerations.
Contact:
Andrea Dixon
andrelam@nti.rutgers.edu