Bill > HB256

This bill requires larger cities (over 20,000 residents) and counties (over 100,000 residents) in Virginia to consider adopting an environmental justice strategy when they next review or update their comprehensive plans, and for all reviews thereafter. This strategy must identify "environmental justice communities" and "fenceline communities," which are areas with specific demographic characteristics and proximity to pollution sources, as defined by state law. The strategy's goals are to reduce health risks in these communities by addressing pollution, improving environmental quality, and preparing for climate change impacts, while also promoting civic engagement and prioritizing improvements like job training, access to healthy food, better public transit, and green spaces. The bill also mandates identifying pollution sources and establishing baseline environmental and health conditions in fenceline communities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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