RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- NDN Collective, a Rapid City-based indigenous advocacy organization, wants to ensure President Joe Biden’s new Justice40 initiative doesn’t leave behind native communities.

In a White House blog, the order claims to “make good on President Biden’s promise to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.”

Jade Begay, climate justice campaign director with NDN, explains what exactly the Justice40 initiative is.

Begay said consultations are occurring between DC and tribal groups, and was optimistic about the Biden administrations priorities.

Begay reminds of a quickly closing public comment window, and shared a template for submission.

Public comments can be submitted at the following LINK. (https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/CEQ-2022-0002-0023?link_id=7&can_id=13ae7cf61a7c66f36f88631c6b5cd615&source=email-in-case-you-missed-it-justice-40-climate-and-economic-justice-screening-tool-public-comment-webinar-recording&email_referrer=email_1552911&email_subject=may-25-2022-deadline-for-public-comment-on-j40-climate-and-economic-screening-tool) An interactive map can be found at the following LINK (https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#7.93/43.011/-102.034), which identifies communities listed as “disadvantaged.” The map highlights Bennett, Jackson, Haakon, Mellette and Todd counties as “disadvantaged”, but does not make the distinction for Oglala Lakota county.