What would Environmental Justice (EJ) look like in Virginia?

• It would mean careful consideration and evaluation of the environmental impacts (such as on air and water quality) of any industrial development project on the community where it is proposed. 
• It would mean giving members of the affected community a seat at the table during the planning phase, so that they can fully understand any and all impacts.
• It would mean allowing the community to have a strong representation in the decision of how to move forward with the proposed project. 
• It would mean preventing all people, especially those with little voice, from being steamrolled over by big money interest groups. 
• It would mean giving a larger weight to the long-term environmental health consequences of proposed industrial actions, as opposed to the usual priority of making money in the short term.

We all like economic progress, business profitability, and a healthy tax base.  But when it comes at the cost of the health and well-being of ordinary people, and particularly economically-disadvantaged people who have no resources to fight back, then the cost is too high.  Win-win solutions are possible, with both economic growth and healthy environments equitably prioritized.