In addressing environmental justice concerns in planning, what is a primary step?

• A. Involve communities only after final decisions are made
• B. Expand zoning to encourage development in all neighborhoods
• C. Identify disproportionately impacted communities and involve them in decision-making; ensure equitable distribution of burdens and benefits
• D. Exclude communities from decision-making to streamline

Answer: (C)

Addressing environmental justice in planning starts with pinpointing who is disproportionately affected and bringing those communities into decision-making so burdens and benefits are shared fairly. This step embodies meaningful involvement and helps ensure policies actually respond to the needs and realities of affected residents, rather than being imposed without their input. By identifying impacted groups—through data, mapping, and community input—planners can design and implement measures that reduce disparities and track outcomes over time.

Why this is the best approach: it centers justice from the outset, enabling equitable distribution of risks and rewards and preventing decisions that would otherwise perpetuate inequities. Involving communities after decisions are already made limits influence and risks mistrust and unfair results. Merely expanding zoning patterns without equity considerations can still concentrate burdens in vulnerable areas, and excluding communities runs counter to the core aim of environmental justice.