State Environmental Justice Leadership Landscape

Exhaustive research for OEJE Staff Training benchmarking | Compiled Friday, May 9, 2026 | JJRconsulting

What this resource is and how to use it

This landscape research profiles 16 states and federal resources that are leading, building or laying the foundation for environmental justice programs. It was compiled to help OEJE staff understand where Massachusetts fits in the national EJ landscape and to identify models, tools and lessons that can inform staff training design.

Each state profile includes legislation, dedicated offices, screening tools, training programs and highlights. Use the search bar, ranking filters or category buttons to find what is most relevant to your work. Click any state to expand its full profile with source links.

💬 Know of a state program or resource that should be included? Have context on how a state program is working in practice? We welcome your input to strengthen this resource. Email us directly at ej-train-input@jjrconsulting.com. No forms, no gatekeeping.

A living resource, not a definitive source. State EJ landscapes are evolving rapidly, and progress looks different in different contexts. Every profile includes live source links so you can explore the original context. This resource will be continually updated based on user input, new developments and emerging best practices.

JEDICAB

JEDI-CAB Quality Framework

See how Justice, Equity, Dignity, Inclusion, Culture, Accessibility and Belonging shaped this resource

➔

Explore the full EJ training resource collection

EJ Glossary of Terms80+ terms with definitions, context, evolving perspectives and MA-specific guidance EJ Scholar Deep Profiles14 scholars and thought leaders shaping EJ policy, science and practice Founding Generation EJ Scholars8 pioneering scholars and activists who built the field of environmental justice State EJ Landscape Research16 states and federal resources with EJ programs, policies and models National EJ LandscapeFederal agencies, national organizations and cross-cutting EJ resources Cutting-Edge EJ ResearchEmerging research, tools and innovative approaches in environmental justice EJ Training Curricula and ModelsTraining programs, toolkits and learning resources from across the field JEDI-CAB Quality FrameworkHow the framework was applied to these resources and prompts for your own work

Why This Research Matters for Massachusetts

This research covers 16 states and federal resources, organized to help OEJE staff understand where Massachusetts fits in the national EJ landscape. States are ranked using an asset-based framework that recognizes every state is on a journey. The key finding: no state has built a comprehensive, mandatory EJ training curriculum for all agency staff comparable to what Massachusetts OEJE is designing. This represents an extraordinary opportunity for MA to lead nationally.

Leading the Way (5 states): Comprehensive legislation, dedicated offices, screening tools and staff training

Building Momentum (7 states): Significant legislation and infrastructure, still growing training capacity

Laying the Foundation (4 states): Foundational structures with room to expand implementation

Showing all 17 entries

No states match your current filters. Try adjusting your search or filter criteria.

Synthesis: Implications for Massachusetts OEJE Staff Training

Recognizing the national staff training gap

No state has built a comprehensive, mandatory EJ training curriculum for all agency staff comparable to what Massachusetts OEJE is designing. The closest models are:

California's CCORE/GARE approach: 50+ agencies, 500+ employees trained in racial equity (broader than EJ-specific)
Washington's HEAL Act training: Focused on EHD map usage and EJ assessment methodology for 7 agencies
Michigan's EGLE trainings: Agency-specific EJ training with MiEJScreen integration

Features to benchmark against

Screening tools: CA (CalEnviroScreen), WA (EHD Map), MI (MiEJScreen), NJ (EJMAP), NY (DAC Map), MN (MNRISKS)
Cumulative impacts in permitting: NJ (mandatory permit denial), IL (HB 4093), CT (PA 23-202)
Ombudsperson model: CO (unique advocate role between communities and government)
Multi-agency coordination: WA (7 agencies under HEAL), VA (10 EJ coordinators), OR (16 agency liaisons)
Investment targeting: NY (35-40% of climate funds to DACs), CA (25-35% of cap-and-trade)
Advisory board structure: MI (21 members), CT (23 members), CO (Task Force + Board + Ombudsperson)

Opportunity for MA leadership

Massachusetts is positioned to become the first state with a comprehensive, structured EJ staff training program that goes beyond tool-specific training or general racial equity education. The OEJE training design, with module-based curriculum, vignettes, agency-specific content and multi-agency coverage, would be nationally significant.