Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is looking for one community to participate in a new project called the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis. This could be a neighborhood, city, town, or other area that has experienced more environmental problems than others.
The goal of the analysis is to better understand how multiple environmental and social challenges—like pollution, heat, or lack of resources—can affect the health of people living in a community. The results can help community members, local governments, and state agencies make decisions that reduce environmental health risks.
What is this project, and why does it matter?
In 2022, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force explored ways the state can ensure fair access to a healthy environment for all people. The task force submitted recommendations to the legislature, the Governor’s Office, and CDPHE, and one of those recommendations was to create an Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis.
This analysis looks at how environmental and public health issues affect specific places, especially communities that are disproportionately impacted by environmental challenges. It is part of a 2024 law that aims to support healthier environments across Colorado.
By looking at many environmental and other factors together, the analysis helps the state make more informed decisions and better support communities. Our Office of Environmental Justice will share the results publicly.
CDPHE announces finalist communities!
CDPHE has selected 11 Colorado communities as finalists for the state’s first Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis.
Between July 14 and August 8, CDPHE invited nominations from community members, Tribal and local governments, and local organizations. After reviewing submissions, the Office of Environmental Justice identified 11 finalists that meet the criteria for disproportionately impacted communities.
The office will invite each finalist to apply and select one community to participate in the project.
Finalist communities include:
- Aurora (Adams County)
- Fort Collins (Larimer County)
- Golden (Jefferson County)
- Leadville (Lake County)
- North Denver/Globeville-Elyria-Swansea/Commerce City (Denver and Adams Counties)
- Pueblo (Pueblo County)
- Rifle and Garfield County (Garfield County)
- San Luis and Costilla County (Costilla County)
- Southeast Colorado Springs (El Paso County)
- Thornton (Adams County)
- Valmont (Boulder County)
The nominated areas range in size from individual mobile home parks to entire counties, including urban and rural communities.
How can I nominate my community to be considered for an Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis?
You can nominate your community by completing the nomination form which you can access through this webpage. Community members, local and Tribal government leaders, and leaders from community-based organizations can submit nominations. Nominations will be open from July 14 to August 8.
What are cumulative impacts?
Cumulative impacts are the total effect of several environmental and other factors combined. This can include air and water pollution, chemical exposure, and extreme heat, among others. Looking at these factors together provides a clearer picture of community health risks than looking at each separately.
Why is the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis important?
The analysis can help the state and local governments:
- Identify areas most affected by pollution and environmental stressors.
- Use a consistent process to understand the full impact on these communities.
- Make more informed decisions about regulations, permits, and other actions.
Where did this work originate?
In recent years, state laws have emphasized the need to consider how environmental factors affect communities differently. Recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force highlighted the importance of doing cumulative impact analyses. In 2024, a law directed CDPHE to conduct two such analyses in disproportionately impacted communities.
When will the analysis take place?
The Office of Environmental Justice will begin the process in summer 2025, with the first location announced in the fall. A contractor will begin the analysis in early 2026, and the work will take about 12–18 months to complete.
Who is involved in the process?
The Office of Environmental Justice, the selected community, and the contractor will lead the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis work. The process includes:
- Creating working groups to guide the analysis and make sure community voices are included.
- Partnering with a local coordinating agency to help connect with community members and share data.
- Reviewing environmental and health data and gathering community input.
- Sharing the final results publicly and working with agencies on how to use the findings.
How will results be used?
The final report will be a tool for local and state agencies, not a replacement for other required assessments. It may help guide decisions on permits, plans, and policies that could affect communities. Community members will also have access to the findings through our website.
Where will CDPHE conduct the analysis?
We will conduct two analyses in total and are asking for your input on the first analysis now. The department will select the first location in 2025. You can nominate your community from July 14 to August 8.
The Office of Environmental Justice is launching an exciting new project, and your community could be part of it! We’re selecting one place in Colorado to be the first site for an Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis—a process that looks at how multiple environmental challenges, like pollution or extreme heat, may affect people’s health and well-being.
An Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis is a comprehensive review of environmental and public health impacts in specific geographic areas, focusing on communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. This analysis will help state and local agencies make more informed, equitable decisions by evaluating how pollution and other stressors collectively affect certain populations. The department will make the results of the analysis available to the public.
Timeline: The Office of Environmental Justice is initiating the Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis process in the summer of 2025. The office expects to announce the location for the first analysis in the fall. The office will also seek a contractor to conduct the analysis, which will begin in early 2026 and take approximately 12-18 months to complete.
Nominations: Community members can nominate their community for consideration as an analysis location. Local and Tribal government leaders and leaders from community-based organizations can also nominate their community. These leaders can also express interest in serving as the local coordinating agency, or indicate if they would like to partner with or support another local coordinating agency. You can access more information on the role of the local coordinating agency here.
Eligibility: This nomination form is the first step in the process.
To be selected, a community must meet these eligibility criteria:
- The community receives a nomination from a local community member or local leader.
- The community is considered "disproportionately impacted.” (To determine if your community is disproportionately impacted according to Colorado Law, visit the Disproportionately Impacted Community Map.)
- At least one government agency or community-based organization expresses interest in serving as the local coordinating agency.
The department will narrow the eligible nominees to 10 finalists based on the following criteria:
- The communities’ overall EnviroScreen score.
- Data on local environmental effects, environmental exposures, sensitive populations, and health and social factors.
- Community interest expressed in the nomination forms.
Final location selection: A committee will review the finalist applications and evaluate them based on four areas:
- Environmental risk.
- Readiness to engage in the analysis.
- Leadership commitment and partnerships.
- Community interest.
Finalists will receive an application form to complete and further details on the application scoring process.
Funding: The local coordinating agency in the selected location will be eligible for department funding to support local coordination and community engagement activities.
Multiple nominations from the same community are welcome! The department will choose only one local coordinating agency in the selected analysis community. If multiple organizations plan to coordinate or partner, the department recommends that they choose one lead agency to express interest in serving as the local coordinating agency, and the others indicate support for that local coordinating agency on their nomination forms.
Get Support with Your Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis Nomination!
If you want to nominate your community as the first site for an Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analysis but aren’t sure how to get started, we’re here to help!
Join our virtual office hour:
Monday, July 28
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
During this session, you’ll have the chance to:
- Learn more about the nomination process.
- Get guidance on how to submit a strong nomination.
- Ask questions directly to our team.
Register now to join! Spanish interpretation will be available.
Stay updated!
Follow this page for updates updates, public input opportunities, timelines, and final report findings.
Questions? Email the Office of Environmental Justice at cdphe_ej@state.co.us.