The Evolution of Public Engagement in United States Environmental Governance: A Justice-Centered Framework

Public engagement in environmental governance in the United States (US) has evolved from an initial regulatory approach to a more targeted effort to consider the input of the most impacted communities in decision-making. However, we are still learning about the efficacy of participatory processes in overcoming power asymmetries and achieving environmental justice. We argue that changing forms of engagement have led to an opportunity to embed justice in environmental governance. To illustrate this, we trace the evolution of public engagement toward environmental justice despite ongoing backlash. We explore changing definitions of stakeholders, engagement models, and the translation of processes into outcomes. To illustrate the scope and evolution of the public’s changing role, we examine forest management and water governance in the US–two highly significant issue areas in environmental governance. Finally, we offer a framework for justice-centered engagement and propose recommendations for practitioners and researchers to advance justice in environmental governance.