In November 2021, the bipartisan infrastructure law, approved by Congress and enacted by President Biden, allocated over $1 trillion for upgrading the nation's infrastructure. There are estimates that show approximately $400 billion of the funding from this bipartisan law aligns with the Justice40 Initiative.

Despite containing controversial provisions aiming to weaken the National Environmental Policy Act and supporting fossil fuel infrastructure, the law will also disburse billions of dollars through federal programs falling within the seven investment areas outlined by the Justice40 Initiative.

If federal agencies, along with state and local governments, direct these investments toward well-conceived projects developed in consultation with communities, there is potential to enhance access to clean energy and transportation, construct affordable and sustainable housing, mitigate pollution in disadvantaged areas, and deliver various other community benefits.

The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted into law in August 2022, represents an unparalleled commitment, channeling $369 billion into clean energy and pollution reduction initiatives over the next ten years. Within this sum, over $50 billion is specifically earmarked for disadvantaged communities, aiming to promote both environmental justice and climate justice. Further aligning with the Justice40 objective set by the Biden-Harris administration, federal agencies are mandated to implement the complete $369 billion package of the Inflation Reduction Act in a manner that ensures a minimum of 40 percent of the total investments and benefits reach these underserved communities.

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President Biden signs an executive order introducing the Justice40 Initiative.

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The CEQ (Council on Environmental Quality) creates the WHEJAC (White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council) in accordance with President Biden’s directive.

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The WHEJAC submits recommendations on Justice40, the CEJST, and executive order 12898 revisions to the chair of the CEQ.

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The White House has issued interim implementation guidance for Justice40, instructing federal agencies to evaluate both existing and new programs to ensure a minimum of 40 percent of their total benefits reaches disadvantaged communities. The guidance outlines a pilot program involving 21 federal initiatives, subjecting them to thorough examination and adjustments to optimize benefits for these communities. The intention is for these programs to subsequently share successful strategies, fostering efficient Justice40 implementation throughout the entire federal government.

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Federal agencies submit methodologies to the CEQ and the Office of Management and Budget for calculating and tracking Justice40 benefits for the hundreds of programs that fall under the Justice40 Initiative. The CEQ has not yet published agency methodologies for calculating and tracking Justice40 benefits.

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The CEQ publishes the beta version of the CEJST and invites comments on the tool from communities, climate and environmental justice experts, and the public. The CEQ also holds training and listening sessions on the tool.

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The White House launches the Justice 40 Week of Action, which highlights hundreds of federal programs representing billions of dollars in annual investment that fall under the Justice 40 initiative—including programs that were funded or created in the bipartisan infrastructure law.

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The White House publishes an updated list of federal programs covered by the Justice 40 Initiative.
The CEQ issues a request for information to solicit feedback on the vision, framework, and outcomes of an Environmental Justice Scorecard.

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The CEQ launches the CEJST 1.0. Based on public input, the CEJST 1.0 includes new data sets, indicators, methods, and improvements to the site experience.

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The CEQ releases the Environmental Justice Scorecard to ensure agency accountability on Justice40 implementation.