VA EJScreen+ has been updated with a new platform and many updated data layers!
New user guides are coming soon. In the meantime, please contact us with any questions about using the updated tool.  

The Office of Environmental Justice was established in 2021 to ensure the fair and meaningful involvement of all people into the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies across all DEQ programs. The office works collaboratively across DEQ to advance environmental justice in Virginia as well as addressing environmental justice concerns.

What is Environmental Justice?

The Virginia Environmental Justice Act states, “It is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote environmental justice and ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on environmental justice communities and fenceline communities.” It further defines as, “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of every person, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, faith, or disability, regarding the development, implementation, or enforcement of any environmental law, regulation, or policy.”

Additionally, it is a purpose of DEQ to, “To further environmental justice and enhance public participation in the regulatory and permitting processes.” 

Furthering environmental justice throughout DEQ’s programs requires building trust, shared understanding, and aligning values of all parties involved.

Goals:

• Building capacity in environmental justice communities; providing communities with a stronger understanding of DEQ programs, public involvement processes, and grant and other partnership opportunities.
• Assisting environmental justice community members in navigating environmental programs in Virginia.

• Education Series
  The Office of Environmental Justice is spearheading a series of educational webinars and other resources, so that anyone can learn more about DEQ programs and resources.
• Outreach and Communication
  Sign up for a bulletin with Office of Environmental Justice updates and events in Virginia, as well as information about opportunities for public input and involvement. Use this link to subscribe.
• Public Participation
  Learn more about public participation and making public comments count.
• Links to Tools
  • VAEJScreen+ Mapping Tool
    Environmental justice-related data and information for Virginia.
  • Permitting Enhancement and Evaluation Platform (PEEP)
    Track permit applications and other requests for DEQ approval.
  • Virginia Permit Transparency (VPT)
    Track permit applications for multiple Commonwealth agencies.
  • DEQ Enforcement Tracking Platform
    Track DEQ enforcement cases.

• Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program
  This program supports monitoring projects of varying complexity by providing programmatic and financial support to proposals awarded funding on an annual basis. Mini grants are a great way to get your feet wet and don’t require the higher levels of quality assurance required from Regular and Coordination grants. The grant application cycle opens in the summer of 2025.
• Litter Prevention & Recycling – Annual Competitive Grants Program
  All localities currently receiving the non-competitive grant are eligible to apply for the competitive grant. Competitive grant funds can be used for implementing statewide and regional litter prevention and recycling educational programs and pilot projects. Applications for the Competitive Litter Prevention Grants Program are due by July 15 each year.  Get additional information about this grant program by clicking on the link above.
• Litter Prevention & Recycling – Annual Non-Competitive Grants Program
  DEQ provides funds for litter prevention and recycling grants to localities under a non-competitive grant program based on population and road miles. These grants are awarded specifically to localities for litter prevention and recycling program implementation, continuation and/or expansion. The submission deadline for DEQ’s Non-Competitive Litter Prevention Grant Application is June 30 each year.  Use the link above to take a closer look at this grant program.
• Litter Prevention & Recycling – Public Information Campaign Funding  
  This portion of the Litter Control and Recycling Fund is used for the operation of public information campaigns to discourage the sale and use of expanded polystyrene products and to promote alternatives to expanded polystyrene in the Commonwealth. Localities applying for non-competitive litter grants can opt to receive additional funding to implement this campaign. Please refer to the link above for more information.
• Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Implementation 319(h) Program
  Through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, Virginia is awarded grant funds to implement nonpoint source (NPS) programs. Using these funds, DEQ provides a cost-share assistance program that annually solicits applications for project proposals to implement NPS best management practices (BMPs) in designated watersheds. Information from DEQ on the next NPS Request for Applications (RFA) will be available in late spring 2025.       
• Pollution Prevention – Programs & Financial Incentives
  DEQ’s Office of Pollution Prevention has put together a webpage showcasing the grants, rebates, tax credits, tax deductions, and utility incentives available that encourage the adoption of energy efficiency measures and renewable or alternative energy. The incentives may vary by sector, but in general there are programs for all types: residential customers, small and large businesses, and government agencies.  Click on the link above to take a look at what incentive programs might be applicable to you or your organization.
• Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF)
• Tax Incentive Programs
• Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund
• Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund – Reimbursement Program
• Water Quality Improvement Fund