SIOUX FALLS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, working alongside the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal partners, seeks to secure environmental justice for all communities. 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. Securing environmental justice ensures that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and has equal access to a healthy environment in which to work and raise a family.
Environmental Justice issues and concerns can arise out of a variety of situations and circumstances. This can include damage or potential injury to cultural and sacred sites and resources in Tribal communities. Securing environmental justice relies upon meaningful engagement from community members.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages community members to report any environmental justice concerns or suspected environmental violations within the District to the Environmental Protection Agency at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations or by contacting the District’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges, at 605-224-5402.