How American Samoa is Addressing Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice Definitions

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Environmental Justice Mapping Tools

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Environmental Justice as a Policy of the Environmental Agency or Across All Agencies

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Consideration of Environmental Justice in Permitting

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Consideration of Environmental Justice in Enforcement

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Consideration of Environmental Justice in Land Use

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State Environmental Policy Act “Mini-NEPA”

American Samoa has passed the Environmental Quality Act to achieve and maintain such levels of air and water quality as will protect human health and safety, and to the greatest degree practicable, prevent injury to plant and animal life and property, foster the comfort and convenience of the people, promote the economic and social development of this territory and facilitate the enjoyment of the natural attractions of this Territory.

Dedicated Funding to Environmental Justice Communities

The U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency announced in 2021 that it has $500,000 available in grant funding for U.S. territory and tribal governments to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from older diesel engines.

Consideration of Cumulative Impacts

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Prohibitions on Disparate Impact Discrimination

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Established Environmental Rights

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Environmental Justice as Part of Environmental Agency’s Mission

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Environmental Justice as Part of Other Agency’s Mission

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Processes and Procedures (including Title VI)

Non-Discrimination Policy

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Grievance Procedures

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Enhanced Public Participation and Information Access

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Language Access

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Consultation with Indigenous Communities and Tribal Nations

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Governmental Environmental Justice Structures, Positions, and Funding Streams

Environmental Justice Coordinating Agency

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Environmental Justice Coordinator

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Environmental Justice Advisory Board

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Funding for Environmental Justice

The U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency announced in 2021 that it has $500,000 available in grant funding for U.S. territory and tribal governments to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from older diesel engines.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a Policy on Environmental Justice for Working with Federally Recognized Tribes and Indigenous Peoples. The policy includes accountability for the implementation of the policy, a definitions section, and an appendix that contains a list of implementation tools available. The policy is based on Executive Order 12898 and contains 17 principles relating to the policy’s four focus areas, which are:

1. Direct implementation of federal environmental programs in Indian country, and throughout the U.S;
2. Work with federally recognized tribes/tribal governments on environmental justice;
3. Work with Indigenous Peoples (state-recognized tribes, tribal members, etc.) on environmental justice; and
4. Coordinate and collaborate with federal agencies and others on environmental justice issues of tribes, Indigenous Peoples, and others living in Indian country.

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Constitutional Provisions

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Executive Orders

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Legislation and Statutes

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Regulations

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Policies/Guidance

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Mapping Tools

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Other

List of Major Environmental Laws and Regulations; American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.as.gov/laws-and-regulations.
Sections include: Solid Waste, Plastic Bags, Pesticides, Domestic Animals, Environmental Quality Commission, Water Quality Standards, Air Emission Rules and Regulations, Pesticide Regulation, Storage Tank Regulations, Hazardous Material, and Safe Drinking Water.