Abstract
Objectives: This thesis focuses on the use of a collaborative process to address environmental justice issues. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has developed an Environmental Justice Enforcement Initiative (EJEI) that allows the community to identify sites that are in need of regulation. This thesis develops a case study of the EJEI in the City of Pacoima, one of seven California communities where the Department has hosted EJEI workshops.
Methods: The field research entailed interviews with community members in Pacoima and with employees of the Department of Toxic Substances Control. For comparison, information was also gathered at an EJEI community meeting in Fresno, California.
Conclusions Reached: The Environmental Justice Enforcement Initiative has been well received by the target community, and has met its goals. Overall, the initiative has been successful and should continue to be a priority to the Department of Toxic Substances Control. The final chapter of the thesis provides several recommendations for improving the Initiative as it expands to other target communities in California.