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Environmental Health Policy
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NALBOH Environmental Health Pages
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Local boards of health around the country have different authorities for carrying out their responsibilities. Some boards have the power to enact policies and regulations, while others advise or recommend actions to the governing body for local public health. Regardless of the extent of authority boards of health have, all are obligated to either enact or recommend policies that serve the interest of the public’s health. NALBOH’s mission, in coordination with boards of health, is to ensure that adequate public health services are provided to every member of the board’s jurisdiction. Developing local environmental health policies is crucial to fulfilling this mission.
In the News
NEW! Flathead (MT) Board of Health adopts tougher food safety policy to deal with repeat violators.
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Did You Know...
The Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) provides information and resources for elected and appointed local officials on environmental management, planning, funding, regulations and policy. Their website includes examples of climate and energy best practices and local climate action plans, federal and state regulatory information, and relevant news and information on environmental health issues. LGEAN is a valuable resource for boards of health members who want to research or draft environmental health policy in their community. To learn more, access their website.
The U.S. Climate Task Force releases the results of an environmental and climate change policy survey. A poll of U.S. voters shows that a majority believe that major reforms of environmental policies are needed, and a carbon tax is the most supported environmental policy option. Those polled also believe that the development and use of renewable resources or alternatives should be Congress’s biggest priority. Click to view the survey results.
Green Cities Website Shares Groundbreaking Environmental Policies
Green Cities California features best practices for sustainable public policy, and is a central repository of information that cities and counties can access. Categories of sample environmental policies featured include Environmental Health, Water, Transportation, Waste Reduction, Urban Nature, Energy, and Urban Design. Green Cities California provides examples of what is possible in local environmental policy, even for communities outside of the state of California. Learn More!
NALBOH Adopts Climate Change Resolution
There is now a widespread, scientific consensus that the world’s climate is changing. The effects of climate change have included more variable weather, heat waves, heavy precipitation events, flooding, droughts, more intense storms such as hurricanes, sea level rise, and air pollution. A wide variety of organizations are currently focusing attention on the need to prepare for the impending health risks brought about by climate change. NALBOH has developed and adopted a Climate Change Resolution, building goals based upon existing programs and the Ten Essential Public Health Services to follow the Centers for Disease Control’s “Priority Health Actions” for climate change. View this important document (pdf).
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For questions or more information about NALBOH's environmental health programs, please contact Carrie Hribar.
Page updated 6/15/2010.
© Copyright 2010, NALBOH