State departments of transportation (DOT) are increasing their focus on developing and implanting environmental justice (EJ) into planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes. TRB hosted a webinar on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern that looked at the history of EJ within transportation projects and what it looks like in 2023. Presenters shared successful strategies for addressing EJ and equity and coordinating with the public. Presenters also discussed the impacts of EJ.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Equity in Transportation.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. History of EJ, Successful Planning and NEPA in 2023 – Carolyn Nelson, P.E., Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

2. Designing EJ projects to align with community values – Will McGoldrick, South Carolina DOT

3. EJ efforts for transit and highway projects – Cathy LaFata, HDR

4. Question and answer session moderated by Diane Nulton, HDR

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Identify elements of a successful EJ action plan that can be applied to plans with similar goals

2. Evaluate a nationally recognized EJ plan

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.