Justice40 establishes a federal government-wide goal that at least 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal investments related to climate, clean energy, public transit, clean water, and remediation of legacy pollution flow to “disadvantaged communities.” While Justice40 is a federal goal, Colorado is committed to achieving the Justice40 goal.
Defining “disadvantaged communities”
Federal guidance states that Justice40 can be met through geographic location and/or a common condition describing disadvantage (e.g income, participation in an income-based program). The Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives uses the following tools and guidance when determining whether and how our projects benefit disadvantaged communities:
- Climate and Economic Justice (CEJST) Screening Tool for “disadvantaged communities”
- Colorado EnviroScreen identifies “disproportionately impacted communities”
- Some federal programs provide specific guidance and tools for identifying disadvantaged communities. In those cases, the State uses the tools provided by the federal program.
- Income-restricted programs, for example Solar for All, or the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provide services to low-income households regardless of where they are located.
- Public transit projects serving low-income individuals and/or disproportionately impacted communities.
Evaluating Justice40 Benefits
A project can benefit a community in many ways such as:
- Increasing resilience to climate change
- Decreasing pollution
- Reducing energy costs
- Creating jobs or increasing access to good-paying jobs
- Improving safety
- Increasing mobility