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In Maryland, “environmental justice” is defined as “equal protection from environmental and public health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture and social status” (Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022). In 2025, Governor Wes Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2025.17 Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity (VOICE)​ identifying opportunities for the State government to take a whole-of-government approach to addressing environmental inequities in the state.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR)​​ is committed to advancing environmental justice in Maryland and implementing its programs and policies so all communities experience the environmental and health benefits from management of the state’s public lands, waterways, and natural resources. The Department adopted a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility Statement to guide its work internally and externally:

DNR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility Statement​


Maryland DNR commits to fostering a culture and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and representative of the State’s diversity. We are committed to increasing accessibility to our public lands, waterways, and natural resources for all communities to enjoy. By engaging and understanding communities that have historically been left behind, we strive to address and remove systematic barriers that perpetuate environmental injustices. Through this work, we celebrate these values within nature, our partnerships, and the communities we serve.​

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Available for Public Review: DNR’s Draft ​Environmental Justice Strategic Plan

DNR developed​ its first Environmental Justice Strategic Plan to advance environmental justice through the agency’s work by establishing goals, actions, and metrics to track the agency’s progress. The G​overnor’s Executive Order 01.01.2025.17 Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity (VOICE​) requires all agencies to create an Environmental Justice Strategic Plan with input from the public and interested partners.

On June 29, 2026, DNR released a draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan. We accepted comments on the draft plan until July 13th, 2026, and hosted two public workshops. You can view a recording of the presentation in English here. DNR will post a final version of the plan once it is revised on this webpage.
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If you have questions or feedback on the Environmental Justice Strategic Plan or ​​​ ​would like to request a meeting with Sumi Selvaraj​​, Environmental Justice Officer, please use this form​.