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GA HB260

GA HB260
Georgia Environmental Justice Act of 2023; enact


summary

Introduced
02/06/2023
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2024

Introduced Session

2023-2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conservation and natural resources, so as to require all state entities to consider and report on environmental justice concerns prior to taking certain state actions; to create the Environmental Justice Commission; to provide a short title; to provide for definitions; to provide for membership; to provide for the duties of the commission; to provide that as a prerequisite for obtaining certain permits in neighborhoods consisting of persons of color or from low-income families applicants shall take certain actions to mitigate health hazards; to provide that governmental agencies shall consider the disproportionate effect of environmental hazards on people of color or people from low-income families in implementing certain environmental policies; to provide that no person in this state shall be excluded from any state funded program or activity because of race, color, or national origin; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, the Georgia Environmental Justice Act of 2023, aims to address environmental justice concerns in the state. It requires all state entities to consider and report on potential environmental impacts on communities before taking certain actions. It creates the Environmental Justice Commission, which will designate "targeted facilities" that pose potential health risks and conduct a comprehensive analysis of related factors, including enforcement practices and communication with affected communities. The bill also requires applicants for certain permits to commit to implementing pollution prevention and community health studies, and it directs governmental agencies to consider the disproportionate effects of environmental hazards on communities of color and low-income areas when implementing environmental policies. Additionally, the bill prohibits the exclusion of any person from state-funded programs or activities based on race, color, or national origin.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

House Second Readers (on 02/08/2023)

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