Public Information and Community Outreach

National Environmental Policy Commission

For Immediate Release

National Environmental Policy Commission Travels to Chicago, Illinois to Hear Environmental Recommendations

Charleston, SC - The National Environmental Policy Commission will hold its final Listening Session on Friday, April 27 in Chicago, IL. The Commission is an outgrowth of recommendations from a Congressional Black Caucus Environmental Justice Braintrust under the leadership of Congressman James Clyburn, D-SC.

The goal of the Commission is to identify environmental issues and to articulate a range of policy alternatives for consideration by policy makers. In meeting this goal, the Commission will deliberate and report on appropriate roles for human health, environmental protection, environmental justice and economic development considerations in a comprehensive environmental policy.

The Medical University of South Carolina's Environmental Biosciences Program (EBP) and The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) are coordinating Commission activities. "We must work together to ensure participation from all stakeholders in order to develop a comprehensive environmental policy," explains David Rivers of EBP.

The Commission is comprised of representatives (see attached list) from business and industry, health organizations, academia, environmental justice communities, and tribal, state and local governments. To accomplish this mission, the Commission is conducting a series of Listening Sessions.

The University of Illinois at Chicago will host the Listening Session from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 27. The Session will be held in room 605 of the Chicago Circle Center Building located at 750 South Halsted. Those wishing to address the Commission Panel will have the opportunity to submit a prepared written statement that includes issue identification and recommendations to the Commission record. Participants will have four minutes to present a summary of their statements and public policy recommendations.

For more information, visit our web site at www.ebp.musc.edu or contact Latecia Abraham, MHA at 843-727-6450 ext. 6453 (abrahaml@musc.edu).