ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 12898ProclamationObama · DCeremonial

Proclamation 12898

20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice

This proclamation commemorates the 20th anniversary of Executive Order 12898, which directed federal action on environmental justice. It celebrates past progress including mercury emission limits and reconstitution of an interagency working group, while calling for continued efforts to address pollution burdens on low-income communities, communities of color, and tribal areas.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 8821

Impact dates

  1. Observance day for 20th Anniversary of EO 12898 on Environmental Justice

Key directives

  • Proclaim February 11, 2014 as the 20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice
  • Call upon all Americans to observe this day with programs and activities promoting environmental justice

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation of February 11, 2014 as observance day

Near term (90d)

  • Call for Americans to observe with programs and activities promoting environmental justice

Long term

  • Continued work with states, tribes, and local leaders on pollution-burdened areas
  • Implementation of environmental laws in overburdened communities
  • Carbon emission reductions and clean energy development
  • Climate change preparation

Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation references past policy actions but creates no new binding obligations; actual environmental justice commitments depend on separate regulatory and executive actions not detailed here
Proclamation 12898: 20th Anniversary of Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice · Executive Orders