This article represents the first time that a rigorous evaluation of Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) current definition of environmental justice has been undertaken. This is a matter of some significance. Definitions not only reflect the historical understanding of an issue at the moment of formulation but can also affect practice. EPA's 30-year-old definition was actually formulated when its office had the ''environmental equity'' moniker. Hence, this article addresses the distinctions between equity and justice when examining the definition. In addition, it will speak of the definition's scope. This article concludes with suggested enhancements to the current definition and proposes a new working definition.

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