The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has launched a new research initiative called the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis. This project aims to help state and local officials understand how various environmental factors, such as pollution and extreme heat, impact public health.
The Office of Environmental Justice at CDPHE will select one community to participate in this first-of-its-kind analysis. The chosen community will collaborate with state officials and a contractor to collect data, share personal experiences, and find ways to reduce harm while improving quality of life.
“This work is a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the real-world environmental challenges that some communities face more than others,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE Executive Director. “By working directly with residents and local leaders, we can make sure our efforts are grounded in community voices and focused on creating a healthier Colorado for everyone.”
According to CDPHE, the analysis will examine multiple environmental stressors together to assess their combined effect on health. It is expected to provide better insight into local conditions and guide future decisions related to permitting, planning, and public health.
“This is more than just a data project,” said Meghan Guevara, Director of CDPHE’s Office of Environmental Justice. “We’ll be listening to the people who live and work in the community, learning from their experiences, and using that information to support stronger, more informed action.”
Nominations for participating communities are now open. Eligible communities must appear on Colorado’s Disproportionately Impacted Community Map and have at least one local agency or organization willing to act as a coordinating partner. Nominations close on August 8.
More information about nominating a community or details about the project can be found on the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis webpage or by contacting CDPHE’s Office of Environmental Justice at cdphe_ej@state.co.us.
