Albuquerque Journal: Albuquerque advances environmental justice initiative

Journal Staff and Wire Reporters

Mayor Tim Keller on Friday signed an executive order to implement the federal government’s Justice40 initiative in Albuquerque.

Justice40 is a Biden-Harris administration effort to ensure at least 40% of benefits from certain federal investments “flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution,” according to the White House website. The initiative includes investments in areas like clean energy, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing and workforce development.

Albuquerque is the first city to take such a step, Keller’s office said in a news release.

“Albuquerque is stepping up as a partner in our shared efforts to advance equity and environmental justice at every level of government,” Jalonne L. White-Newsome, senior director with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said in a statement.

Keller’s order establishes a local oversight coordinating committee to develop and implement a five-year Justice40 plan.

While the majority of Albuquerque’s U.S. Census tracts are Justice40-eligible, according to a city spokeswoman, it is unclear how much of current federal spending is reaching those areas.

“This is one of the first things the oversight coordinating committee under the executive order will track,” spokeswoman Ava Montoya said in an email.

Nominations for the committee will be taken through 5 p.m. Feb. 27 via email at oei@cabq.gov. Members should have experience in the J40-related categories and “have a strong understanding and appreciation for the racial equity principals,” according to the city’s news release.

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