PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 25, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-4) met with Virginia Community Voice leaders to discuss environmental justice during a visit to Richmond, Virginia on Jan. 24.  

The visit focused on Virginia Community Voice’s initiatives to enhance sustainability and foster social equity within the Southside community and included a tour for a firsthand look at the community’s challenges, successes, and continued progress.    

“EPA is committed to building impactful relationships with groups like Virginia Community Voice,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Through continued dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, we can take transformative steps in our shared journey toward environmental justice for communities throughout Virginia.”

Ortiz applauded Virginia Community Voice for its inspiring work in the Southside community.  

“It was wonderful to welcome EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz to Virginia for a community tour in Southside Richmond. As we work to address environmental injustice and other challenges communities face in Region 3, we must continue facilitating collaboration between all levels of government and relevant community organizations,” said U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-4). “I thank Virginia Community Voice, Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation, and the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities for their partnership in today’s event and their continued efforts to meet Virginians’ needs. I look forward to continued collaboration with Administrator Ortiz to advance environmental justice, bolster community development and job creation, and increase equitable access to green spaces.”

Ortiz said that EPA is focused on investing in communities that have historically experienced environmental stressors. He has prioritized implementing a coordinated approach between EPA and its partners to connect community groups with resources that lead to improved outcomes.

“Virginia Community Voice has been community organizing and engaging neighbors on Richmond’s Southside since 2017,” said Virginia Community Voice Director of Strategic Partnerships Rebekah Kendrick. “We are excited to have the EPA, city partners and Congresswoman McClellan join us for a visit today to see the community gardens that neighbors have built in the Oak Grove community and hear about our vision for a Southside healing hub, a bilingual multipurpose space dedicated to healing the mind, body, spirit and land of this historically marginalized Black and brown community.”

The Virginia Community Voice’s mission is to equip neighbors in marginalized communities to realize their vision for their neighborhoods and prepare institutions to respond effectively.

Visit the EPA website to learn more about the agency’s environmental justice efforts.