What is the definition of “overburdened community” that is relevant for EPA Actions and Promising Practices?

EPA Actions and Promising Practices apply the description of overburdened communities articulated in EPA’s Plan EJ 2014. The term is used to describe the minority, low‐income, tribal and indigenous populations or communities in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks due to exposures or cumulative impacts or greater vulnerability to environmental hazards. This increased vulnerability may be attributable to an accumulation of negative and lack of positive environmental, health, economic, or social conditions within these populations or communities. While EPA is not establishing rigid criteria for identifying overburdened communities, EPA believes this description will help the Agency better meet its responsibility of protecting public health and the environment in a manner that is consistent with Executive Order 12898 and its goals under Plan EJ 2014.