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Los Angeles Compact for Environmental Justice We, the undersigned, respect and value the ethnic and cultural diversity of this society and recognize that such diversity is a source of strength necessary for social stability and environmental justice. We, therefore, adopt this compact for environmental justice as the foundation for a sustainable urban environment. Human health and quality of life are interdependent with a healthy environment and a civil, peaceful, and just society. All people in Los Angeles are entitled to equal access to public open space and recreation, clean water and uncontaminated neighborhoods. A clean, healthy environment is a basic right of all people and is not a luxury accessible to only those who can afford to pay for it. The ethnic and environmental communities must collaborate, communicate and cooperate on environmental issues of mutual concern. The environmental agenda must reflect the priorities of ethnic communities. The education, nurturing and development of youth must be central concerns in the formulation of sustainable policies into the future. It is imperative to have both a healthy economy and a healthy environment. Environmental values must and can be an integral part of economic policy. Communities and neighborhoods have a responsibility to support one another in attaining a thriving economy and a clean and healthy environment; problems cannot be shifted form one neighborhood to another. Communities, businesses and government must be accountable for the environmental consequences of their policies and practices. All planning and regulatory processes must involve residents and community representatives in decision making from start to finish. Resources must be made available to neighborhoods and communities to evaluate projects and policies that affect them. Policy making bodies, such as boards, commissions and councils, must reflect that demographic diversity of the region as well as accord community groups the same status and treatment as business of government entities who have matters before that body. A healthy and safe environment should not be gained at the expense of the health and safety of workers. Employees have a right to know about environmental dangers from the workplace. Every worker is entitled to
a safe and healthy workplace, free of dangerous environmental hazards or risks.
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