Paul White II has worked in the environmental field for twenty years and is currently with the City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), as the Environmental Superintendent over Air, Soil, and Groundwater. During his tenure with Dallas, he has served as a bridge between community groups and environmental professionals, and with agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

One of the keys to Environmental Justice (EJ), like any other type of justice, is helping people find a way to be heard. This is something Mr. White has understood for many years, and he is proud of his efforts to help Dallas residents have their voices heard. “I’ve met with community members in conference rooms, churches, and living rooms who knew EJ issues were occurring in their communities, but they needed context and information to help address those issues.” For example, Mr. White facilitated a series of meetings between a community in West Dallas and EPA officials concerning an EPA Superfund Site.

Mr. White and his team are currently working to help revitalize the South Dallas/Fair Park area through a $600,000 EPA Brownfields Coalition Grant. In addition, Mr. White and his team are adding regulatory air monitors in the southern sector of Dallas to monitor particulate matter coming from the busy I-45 Industrial Corridor, which borders several neighborhoods involved in EJ matters.

He also has a vital role in his department’s Comprehensive Environmental Climate Action Plan (CECAP), the first climate plan of its type approved by the Dallas City Council. This workplan leverages equity to ensure the best quality of life is available for all communities in this thriving city.

A North Texan, Mr. White graduated from Kentucky State University with a degree in Biology and continued his education through programs at Harvard and SMU. Mr. White has received several awards for leadership and outstanding work in the Dallas community, notably from former City Councilmember Rick Callahan and the City Manager’s Office. Mr. White continues to work with a variety of community members and local grass roots organizations. He regularly volunteers with community organizations including Big Brothers and Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Ark Ranch, and the YMCA.

American YouthWorks helps young people realize their full potential and effect positive change within their community. Through our two primary education and career training programs, YouthBuild Austin and the Texas and Louisiana Conservation Corps, AYW provides the building blocks for learning and engagement that young people can build upon as they grow into adulthood. Conservation Corps crew members conserve natural landscapes and recreation areas across Texas and the southern U.S. through environmental stewardship, trail design, and coastal restoration. Disaster Response Teams are deployed to assist communities impacted by natural disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma. In the YouthBuild Austin program, young people have the opportunity to complete their high school education while simultaneously serving the Greater Austin community being engaged in valuable vocational training in the growing Healthcare, IT and Construction industries.

Did you know that all 4th graders in the United States are eligible for an annual pass to our Federal Lands, including National Parks, National Forests, and National Wildlife Refuges? Get Your Pass Today!