Bill > H963

This bill amends the definition of an "environmental justice population" by expanding the criteria for identifying neighborhoods that may be considered environmentally disadvantaged. The new definition includes areas where the annual median household income is 65% or less of the statewide median, neighborhoods with 40% or more minority population, communities where 25% or more of households lack English language proficiency, or areas with 25% minority population in municipalities with median incomes up to 150% of the statewide median. The bill also adds a unique provision allowing designation of a geographic portion of a neighborhood as an environmental justice population if at least 10 residents petition, and provides the secretary with discretion to exclude areas that meet certain positive economic and environmental conditions, such as higher income levels, high educational attainment, lack of environmental pollution, and good access to natural resources. The term "environmental justice population" is important because it helps identify communities that may be disproportionately affected by environmental challenges and may require special attention or protection from environmental risks.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H963