Maryland Department of NATURAL RESOURCES

Environmental Justice and Equity

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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:

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    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.

DNR invites you to provide input on the draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan. We are accepting comments on the draft plan until July 13th, 2026. Please see this handout​ or below for more information on how to provide feed​back. 


Download Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan​​


DNR will be hosting two virtual workshops to discuss the draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan and answer questions. The first workshop will be on July 7 at 12:30pm and the second will be held on July 8 at 6pm. To RSVP to one of these workshops please use this link.

How to provide input on the plan:

  • Public comment survey: Provide comments on the plan using this survey​ with guided questions. Submit responses by July 13th, 2026.​

  • ​Email: ​Send your comments to [email protected] by July 13th, 2026.

  • ​​​ ​Request a meeting with Sumi Selvaraj​​, Environmental Justice Officer ​ using this form​.​​
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