The Virginia Council on Environmental Justice (VCEJ) is pleased to present its 2024 annual report and recommendations. The VCEJ operates under the belief that environmental justice is not merely an ideal but a fundamental necessity for the health and well-being of all Virginians. Unfortunately, many communities, particularly those with limited political representation, financial resources, or access to essential services—often find themselves sidelined in discussions that directly impact their health, socioeconomic status, and overall quality of life. The Council serves as a vital platform for these individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

One of the most powerful aspects of the VCEJ is its unwavering commitment to listening. The Council actively solicits comments and feedback from community members, ensuring that their insights and lived experiences shape our agenda and priorities. This grassroots approach is essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by different communities across the Commonwealth. By fostering open dialogue, we can better identify the specific needs of each community and work collaboratively toward meaningful solutions.

This report represents a comprehensive compilation of discussions, site visits, comments received, and collaborative work conducted over the past year, while also building on accomplishments from previous years. Our efforts have focused on ensuring that the needs and concerns of the Environmental Justice community are effectively addressed. Notably, the Council conducted a site visit to Suffolk, Virginia, where members had the opportunity to hear firsthand from residents about the environmental challenges faced by the community, including flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient community involvement. This experience enriched our understanding and informed our recommendations. Additionally, the Council receives updates from relevant agencies regarding efforts to address disparities in Virginia.

Throughout 2024, we held six meetings, during which we dedicated time for public comments. This segment allowed community members to voice their concerns and share their experiences. In addition to verbal feedback, we received numerous written comments that further highlighted the pressing issues within various communities.

Throughout the year, we engaged in thorough discussions regarding the content of the annual report, which is organized into six key areas of focus. Each area is overseen by a designated council member who serves as the lead, ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information Act while maintaining the integrity and quality of the report. This process will continue into 2025. Three iterations of the report were presented during council meetings, allowing members multiple opportunities to provide feedback on all chapters. Members were also encouraged to have one-on-one discussions with the committee leads. The leads for our areas of focus in the report, which is anticipated to continue through 2025, are as follows:

- Framing Environmental Justice – Karen Campblin and Theresa Burriss
- Health of A Community - Community Action – Dr. Janet Phoenix and Rev. Dr. Faith Harris
- Addressing Cumulative Impacts – Harrison Wallace
- Land Use and Zoning – Kendyl Crawford
- Funding and Technical Sources – Lydia Lawrence
- Council Governance | Rules of Engagement – Aliya Farooq

The recommendations outlined in this report provide a strategic roadmap for delivering essential support and resources to all communities across the Commonwealth, particularly those that are vulnerable and facing significant challenges. As we look ahead, we remain steadfastly committed to engaging with our residents, agencies, partners, and related boards and commissions to gain insights and enhance our collective efforts. We understand that addressing these issues requires ongoing collaboration and a willingness to explore additional challenges that may arise.

We are eager to work alongside you in 2025 to foster meaningful change and support for the communities we serve. Together, we can ensure that the principles of environmental justice are not only recognized but also effectively implemented across the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

/s/ Karen Campblin, Chair
Virginia Council on Environmental Justice