Bill > HB256

This bill requires cities with over 20,000 residents and counties with over 100,000 residents, starting July 1, 2026, to consider adopting an environmental justice strategy when reviewing their comprehensive plans. This strategy must identify "environmental justice communities" and "fenceline communities" (areas with specific demographic characteristics and potential for disproportionate environmental or health burdens, as defined by state law), locate pollution sources, and outline objectives and policies to reduce health risks by addressing pollution, improving environmental quality, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting access to public facilities, healthy food, safe housing, and physical activity. The strategy also needs to encourage civic engagement from these communities, prioritize improvements like broadband access, job training, and transportation options, and establish baseline environmental and health conditions to identify any disproportionate public health issues in fenceline communities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB256