Protection from Cumulative Emissions and Underenforcement of Environmental Law Act of 2023
Impact
The bill aims to pinpoint at least 100 communities classified as 'environmental justice communities', where residents are more adversely affected by environmental violations compared to national averages. The Administrator of the EPA is tasked with conducting a thorough analysis of these communities to identify the root causes of environmental violations and to develop actionable measures for reducing such occurrences, consequently fostering healthier living environments in these areas.
Summary
HB1673, named the 'Protection from Cumulative Emissions and Underenforcement of Environmental Law Act of 2023', seeks to advance environmental justice by addressing the cumulative impacts of multiple environmental stressors, particularly on communities that suffer from disproportionate environmental burdens. The bill mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create protocols to assess and mitigate public health risks linked to these stressors, which include various forms of pollution and the impacts of climate change.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB1673 may involve the interpretations of what constitutes as 'environmental justice communities' and how effectively the proposed measures will be implemented. Critics may argue that the bill's reliance on governmental assessments could be too slow or insufficient in providing immediate relief or support for affected communities. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding the allocation of adequate resources to fulfill the bill's objectives within specified timelines, which could be a point of debate among legislators.
An Act to direct the Department of Environmental Quality to publish an updated version of the Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance Memo to consider how to assess the cumulative impacts of certain permits.
Environmental Permits - Requirements for Public Participation and Impact and Burden Analyses (Cumulative Harms to Environmental Restoration for Improving Shared Health - CHERISH Our Communities Act)
Environmental Permits - Requirements for Burden Analysis, Issuance and Renewal, and Public Participation (Cumulative Harms for Environmental Restoration for Improving Shared Health - CHERISH Our Communities Act)
Environmental Permits - Requirements for Burden Analysis, Issuance and Renewal, and Public Participation (Cumulative Harms for Environmental Restoration for Improving Shared Health - CHERISH Our Communities Act)
In renaming Department of Environmental Resources and defining rulemaking authority of Department of Environmental Protection, repealing provisions relating to Department of Environmental Protection and providing for Department of Environmental Services; and making editorial changes.
In renaming Department of Environmental Resources and defining rulemaking authority of Department of Environmental Protection, repealing provisions relating to Department of Environmental Protection and providing for Department of Environmental Services; and making editorial changes.