At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees got expert guidance on the practical implementation of environmental justice.
Local officials encounter obstacles in applying environmental justice initiatives, such as funding limitations and community-level execution. This panel unites specialists and decision-makers to examine how counties can embed environmental equity into routine practices.
The Honorable MC Keegan-Ayer, Council Member, Frederick County, led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the From Policy to Practice: County-Driven Environmental Justice general session at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference.
@MDEnvironment talks about the history of EJ in MD & nationally. pic.twitter.com/VE8ZU1QDqK
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) December 12, 2024
Panel speakers included:
- Steve Lafferty, Board Member, League of Conservation Voters
- Aneca Atkinson, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Justice, Maryland Department of the Environment
- Tiara Lester, Sustainability Program Administrator, Frederick County
- Timothy Lattimer, Community Sustainability Administrator, Howard County
Aneca Atkinson gave a detailed overview of the history of environmental justice and her efforts as the first Assistant Secretary solely focused on this critical work.
Tiara Lester & Timothy Lattimer detailed the programs and policies each jurisdiction implements to bring true environmental justice to their communities. Frederick heavily focuses on energy and energy incentives, while Howard has a broader focus on critical infrastructure projects.
Steve Lafferty discussed the environmental advocacy community’s viewpoints on environmental justice and how vital this perspective is in a changing climate.
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
