Cumulative Impacts
What Are Cumulative Impacts (CI)?
Environmental Justice (EJ) communities have long faced multiple environmental, social, and public health stressors that stack up over time. These cumulative impacts (CI) deepen inequities and increase risks to health and well-being. EJ leaders have long called for laws that recognize these realities, driving progress in defining, measuring, and addressing CI.
CI in State-Level Permitting Policies
Cross-sector advocacy efforts have sparked growing momentum across the country to put CI at the center of public decision-making. A breakthrough came in 2020, when New Jersey became the first state to deny permits based on CI. This landmark win, led by community advocacy, has inspired similar policies across the country.
For the past six years, we have tracked and analyzed the development of CI policies to support EJ advocates. Our State Cumulative Impacts Permitting Policies 2.0 Database (below) brings together select bills, laws, mapping tools, and other policy instruments in one place. Updated twice a year, it highlights emerging trends in CI permitting policies.
Why This Matters?
Putting cumulative impacts at the center of decision-making ensures frontline communities are protected from compounded harms. This hub is designed to be a resource for advocates, researchers, and policymakers advancing that vision. We also offer additional technical assistance to support this work.
Interactive Dashboard: State Cumulative Impacts Permitting Policies 2.0
Instructions for using the dashboard:
Select a state on the interactive map.
Select a policy, rule, or tool/methodology on the dropdown menu below the map.
Click the blue buttons in the middle of the dashboard to view detailed information on the policy, rule, or tool/methodology.
Recent Activity
October 2025: Tishman Center and Dr. Nicky Sheats present to the Bay Area Air District Advisory Council on ideas for cumulative impacts policymaking and early lessons from implementation of NJ's EJ law.
September 2025: EJ leaders, including Tishman Center director, Ana Baptista, discuss state level CI policymaking as federal help fades in a recent news article.
August 2025: New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, Tishman Center, and other partners submit letter to DEP on the first decision under the landmark Environmental Justice Law.
May 2025: Tishman Center submits comments for phase 1 rulemaking of New York EJ Siting Law.
Cumulative impacts at the city and local Level (Forthcoming)
Events
[VIRTUAL WEBINAR] Developing Cumulative Impacts Permitting Protections: Policy Design, Decision Points, and Lessons Learned from a State-by-State Review
September 24, 2025 2 - 3PM EST Zoom