COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
As a land use and environmental advocacy organization, Mountain Area Preservation recognizes the fact that we cannot achieve our mission to preserve the Truckee-Tahoe region’s mountain character and natural environment for present and future generations without addressing issues of environmental justice, racial equality and equity in the outdoors.
Throughout history, racist land use policies have been a major driver of inequality, impacting how communities are developed, access to affordable housing, public health & safety issues, and access to the outdoors. MAP uses our platform to advocate for open space, responsible development, workforce housing and community benefits, but we have a responsibility to do more. MAP was founded in 1987 by concerned local citizens who understood the power of collective action. For thirty-three years, our work has created positive change for the environment and community. We have the ability to use our voice and strengthen our community through grass-roots, citizen-powered, land use advocacy. We remain committed to our mission and feel that now it is more important than ever to engage, listen, learn and activate so that all voices are represented in community planning and stewardship.
We pledge
To ensure our environmentalism is always intersectional
To increase diversity in our organizational leadership
To amplify the underrepresented voices in our community
To continually learn from the experts who have been doing the work of environmental, social and racial justice for decades
To admit when we make mistakes, accept correction and strive to do better
We express our solidarity with Black, Indigenous and People of Color who are who are impacted daily by structural racism and bear more of the burden of environmental degradation and climate change. While current events may be a tipping point in the march towards justice, we recognize that this is a long-term effort, and we are committed to using our voice and collective advocacy power for environmental justice and racial equity
Environmental Justice Resources
Communities of color are disproportionately affected by poor land use planning decisions, climate change, historical and ongoing pollution and other environmental hazards. Environmental Justice is defined by the US EPA as “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.” Environmental Justice is a social and environmental movement that has been going on for decades, and which has historically been led by impacted communities of color. Below are some introductory resources to the Environmental Justice movement.
Environmental Justice Initiative at Environmental Law Institute
Community Guide to Environmental Justice & NEPA Methods