Adapt to a Changing Regulatory and Social Climate
Building stronger communities, one project at a time.
TRC partners with clients to understand communities, bridge gaps and deliver projects with a purpose. Social considerations continue to be critical in today’s world, as we strive to ensure that no community is disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and risks. TRC’s tested practitioners bring decades of knowledge and experience to help clients anticipate and navigate this sensitive topic.
Understanding Social Risk
Social risk and environmental justice (EJ) considerations have led to a rapidly evolving regulatory climate, particularly at the state level. At the same time, social media and artificial intelligence (AI) have increased the ability of stakeholders to interpret equity-related data.
As a result, social risk considerations represent both financial and non-financial risks for companies that may impact:
- Expansion and facility modification plans
- Permit renewals
- Project footprint and permits
- Ability to operate
- New construction plans
- Merger and acquisition plans
- Reputation
More than 20 states have introduced requirements related to projects and facilities in EJ areas. Projects subject to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) must consider socioeconomics and the potential impacts on local communities. The patchwork of requirements and increased public interest, coupled with an increasing number of government-released tools, has led to challenges in navigating this rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
Seamlessly Integrated Environmental Justice Solutions
TRC provides comprehensive socioeconomic and EJ capabilities to evaluate and understand permitting and operational risks, assess potential sites and routes and support regulatory compliance from project conception through implementation. Our services are powered by the latest technology and guided by our experts to effectively and efficiently evaluate risks and provide regulatory compliance support for projects.
Economic Impact Modeling
Detailed insight into the benefits in terms of jobs, income, occupations and tax revenues a project or facility brings to the local and/or state economy.
EJ & Socioeconomic Analyses
Resource reports and exhibits for federal, state and local permitting; comprehensive portfolio risk analysis; and social characterization assessments.
Review of Potential Sites/Routes
Assessment of potential EJ concerns, leveraging powerful GIS technology with a vast library of socioeconomic and environmental data.
Custom Interactive Mapping
Visualization of EJ metrics and designations, including demographics, environmental burdens, and geospatial-related regulatory criteria, among other key factors.
Community Engagement
Comprehensive analyses of community engagement, relevant stakeholders and workforce development for projects with critical local nexus.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
U.S. EPA’s EJScreen Evolves as the Agency Advances Environmental Justice
August 21, 2023
EJScreen is currently at the forefront of federal efforts to identify potential disproportionate environmental burdens and communities with potential environmental justice (EJ) concerns.
New Jersey Implements Landmark Environmental Justice Regulations
August 2, 2023
A new landmark Environmental Justice (EJ) law is now effective in New Jersey following a lengthy rulemaking process surrounding the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Administration Order (AO) No. 2021-25. It is the first rule of its kind and the strongest EJ regulation in the nation.
Preparing for EPA Inspections in Environmental Justice Communities
October 4, 2022
The EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Have Expanded Goals to Strengthen Enforcement and Protections Within EJ Communities
Climate Action and Environmental Justice are at the Forefront of EPA’s Strategic Plan
June 14, 2022
The EPA issued its Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Although the strategic plans emphases often change with administrations, we can be reasonably certain that the Plan reflects priorities through 2024.