By Martin Suuberg As we mark Earth Day 2021, amid a health crisis caused by a global pandemic, the principle of environmental justice is a priority that is and must remain front-and-center in our efforts to protect the environment and the public health. The importance of addressing environmental justice was underscored by new provisions calling for redoubled efforts in the important climate legislation signed by Governor Baker earlier this month. Cities like Chelsea have not only been overburdened by pollution, they also have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Reports have shown the issue of air pollution can worsen COVID-19 outcomes, and that these issues have had a serious impact on environmental justice communities in the Commonwealth over the past year. This strongly underscores the human cost of air pollution and the need to continue work to reduce air pollution and ensure we have the best possible data to inform our decisions.