Program develops environmental roundtable agendaby Ragan DuBose LuskEnvironmental Biosciences Program MUSC's Environmental Biosciences Program, with the U.S. Department of Energy and Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, developed the agenda and upcoming proceedings document for a roundtable on environmental justice held in Albuquerque, N.M. The Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (IWG) convened the American Indian and Alaskan Native Environmental Justice Roundtable Aug. 3 through 4. Among the guest speakers was S.C. Congressman James Clyburn, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Clyburn has made environmental justice one of his primary areas of focus. He stressed his conviction for the development of an environmental policy that addresses the nation’s needs and interests comprehensively, effectively and equitably. The roundtable was held on the campus of the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. Issues addressed included the roles of federal, state, local and tribal governments concerning environmental justice, industrial development in areas occupied by American Indians and the use of government collaboration to address human health and environmental justice in those areas. Participants included more than 135 tribal, government, industry and non-profit representatives. During the course of the two-day roundtable, participants were able to work in focused groups to develop strong recommendations and to address the issues identified by the assembly. For more information, contact the Environmental Biosciences Program
at 843-727-6450 ext. 6453 or luskr@musc.edu.
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