summary
Introduced
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Environmental Justice Act. Creates the Environmental Justice Public Participation Program. Establishes purpose and definitions. Creates the Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency. Sets forth the duties of the Office. Provides that the requirements of the provisions apply to specified permitting actions within areas of environmental justice concern. Requires the Office to use environmental justice notifications to contact people located in areas of environmental justice concern, elected officials, and other interested parties to notify of a proposed permit action in that particular area of environmental justice concern. Provides that if an area is not designated as an area of environmental justice concern due to an error in the Agency's application of EJ Start, a resident of that area may make a request in writing to the Agency for reconsideration of the designation upon providing the Office census data that would otherwise demonstrate the area is an area of environmental justice concern or minority population greater than twice the statewide average. Provides that if an area is designated as an area of environmental justice concern due to an error in the Agency's application of EJ Start, a resident of that area may make a request in writing to the Agency for reconsideration of the designation upon providing the Office census data that would otherwise demonstrate that the area is not an area of environmental justice concern or minority population greater than twice the statewide average. Establishes requirements to apply to permitting transactions in areas of environmental justice concern. Requires the Agency to establish a grievance procedure. Requires the Agency to provide a report to the Commission on Environmental Justice annually regarding the status of all grievances made under the provisions.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Environmental Justice Act to establish the Environmental Justice Public Participation Program, creating an Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address disparities in environmental protection. The program aims to ensure that communities are not disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation and to strengthen public involvement in environmental permitting. It defines "areas of environmental justice concern" as census block groups with either low-income populations or minority populations significantly higher than the statewide average. The bill requires the Office to conduct enhanced public outreach, act as a liaison for environmental justice issues, and notify residents and officials about proposed permits in these areas. The legislation mandates that permit applications in these areas include an Environmental Impact Analysis and pay an additional $500 fee. Additionally, the bill establishes a formal grievance procedure for individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination, allowing them to file written complaints within 60 days of an alleged violation. The Office must respond to these complaints, investigate their merit, and provide a yearly report to the Commission on Environmental Justice. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve environmental equity and community engagement in environmental decision-making processes.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 04/11/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1686&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1686.htm |
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