Which action best aligns with environmental justice in airport planning?

• A. Engaging communities affected by airport activities to ensure equitable burdens and benefits.
• B. Limit communication with nearby residents.
• C. Prioritize expansion without community input.
• D. Move all residents away from airport area.

Answer: (A)

Engaging communities affected by airport activities to ensure equitable burdens and benefits is the action that best aligns with environmental justice. Environmental justice focuses on fair treatment and meaningful participation for people who bear the most environmental impacts, ensuring that burdens like noise, air quality, and safety risks are shared fairly and that benefits such as jobs and community investments are accessible to those communities. When planners involve residents and local organizations in decision-making, they can address concerns, adapt plans to reduce harms, and build trust, resulting in outcomes that reflect the needs and values of those most affected. Limiting communication, expanding without input, or relocating residents all fail to address fairness or participation and do not embody environmental justice.