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Bill > SB118
PA SB118
PA SB118In powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources, its officers and departmental and advisory boards and commissions, providing for Office of Environmental Justice.
summary
Introduced
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
In Committee
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), entitled "An act providing for and reorganizing the conduct of the executive and administrative work of the Commonwealth by the Executive Department thereof and the administrative departments, boards, commissions, and officers thereof, including the boards of trustees of State Normal Schools, or Teachers Colleges; abolishing, creating, reorganizing or authorizing the reorganization of certain administrative departments, boards, and commissions; defining the powers and duties of the Governor and other executive and administrative officers, and of the several administrative departments, boards, commissions, and officers; fixing the salaries of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and certain other executive and administrative officers; providing for the appointment of certain administrative officers, and of all deputies and other assistants and employes in certain departments, boards, and commissions; providing for judicial administration; and prescribing the manner in which the number and compensation of the deputies and all other assistants and employes of certain departments, boards and commissions shall be determined," in powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources, its officers and departmental and advisory boards and commissions, providing for Office of Environmental Justice.
AI Summary
This bill establishes an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Environmental Protection to promote and ensure environmental justice throughout Pennsylvania. The office will be responsible for advising the Governor and state agencies on addressing disproportionate environmental and health impacts on communities of color and low-income communities. Key provisions include creating an Environmental Justice Task Force with up to 15 members from various state agencies and impacted communities, and an Environmental Justice Advisory Board of 15 individuals from diverse sectors. The office will have broad powers, including developing a statewide environmental justice strategy every five years, coordinating with state agencies to eliminate inequitable environmental impacts, providing public access to information, receiving and reviewing public comments, and helping communities address environmental health risks. The bill defines "environmental justice" as fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals in environmental policy, ensuring that no community bears a disproportionate burden of negative environmental impacts. The office will work to increase transparency, promote collaborative problem-solving, and develop strategies to mitigate environmental hazards in vulnerable communities. The legislation will take effect 60 days after passage.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (9)
Vincent Hughes (D)*,
Carolyn Comitta (D),
Jay Costa (D),
Art Haywood (D),
Tim Kearney (D),
Steve Santarsiero (D),
Judy Schwank (D),
Sharif Street (D),
Lindsey Williams (D),
Last Action
Referred to Environmental Resources & Energy (on 01/22/2025)
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