JEDI IN GOVERNMENT FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE

Environmental regulation has not traditionally incorporated justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) into practices of government or regulated industries. As a result, Indigenous, Black, and other communities of color have been disproportionately burdened by environmental contamination and will continue to be at risk of impacts from climate change. To continue the process of overcoming this discrimination and protect vulnerable communities, it is necessary to not only incorporate JEDI into regulatory practices and public outreach, but also within government agencies for employees.

The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) introduced employee affinity groups in 2021 for traditionally underrepresented groups to formally mentor each other and provide community support. Currently there are four affinity groups for LGBTQIA2S+, Women, Black, and Hispanic/Latinx employees in and under the umbrella of CalEPA. Affinity groups foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and have provided opportunities for collaboration with sister agencies and the community.

In addition, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, under the CalEPA umbrella, has created a recruitment team that incorporates JEDI into the outreach and recruitment process. The team regularly holds virtual informational sessions to teach potential candidates about the complex hiring process and requirements. The team also coordinates with a statewide recruitment team to attend job fairs with racially diverse student populations.

Supporting potential candidates and employees before and after the hiring process creates a foundation for promoting JEDI in regulatory actions.