The Gulf of Mexico Program (Program) was formed in 1988 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a non-regulatory, inclusive partnership to provide a broad geographic focus on the major environmental issues in the Gulf. The mission of the Program is to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico in ways consistent with the economic well-being of the Region.
In order to accomplish the Gulf of Mexico Program’s mission and expand the conversation on environmentalism and environmental justice, the Program is hosting a Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Conference. As defined by EPA, Environmental Justice is “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” The theme of the conference is Environmental Justice: Systems, Symptoms, and Solutions. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for representatives from various sectors to discuss injustices plaguing vulnerable communities.