Environmental Equity Information Institute

With a vision to see historically disenfranchised communities living free from harmful pollutants and damaging climate change impacts, the Environmental Equity Information Institute’s (E2I2) mission is to work in partnership with communities to advance environmental equity by harnessing the power of community-driven data, ideas and innovative technologies. Based in Atlanta, GA, E2I2 operates globally. Founded in the 1990s, current E2I2 projects include working with communities to create community environmental and social data profiles using available data, which E2I2 presents in easy-to-understand formats, maps and graphics to inform community action. Where data is limited, E2I2 works with communities to collect data, for example through their tailored, solar-powered, community-owned air quality monitors in St. John the Baptist Parish, LA. E2I2 also designs community-based participatory research studies to understand the impact of local-level environmental hazards on health outcomes.

Powered by a staff, active board of directors and partners, E2I2 is passionate about data literacy and uses its participatory education curriculum Power Over Pollution to educate communities about environmental data and how to translate data into action. E2I2’s past projects include providing technical environmental education in the East End of Newport News, VA, for the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice and The Bullard Center for Environmental Justice; conducting analyses of the potential impact of proposed or under-construction petrochemical facilities in Louisiana and Texas; conducting a comprehensive community environmental investigation and risk assessment in the Blackwell community of Richmond, VA; collaborating with Virginia Union University and other groups to co-sponsor a series of community-based environmental justice conferences and Brownfields workshops; and developing and piloting a Youth Computer Academy for disadvantaged youth from the East End.