Bill > H3527

This bill aims to enhance environmental justice considerations in the permitting process for new electric generating facilities by introducing new definitions and requirements. It defines "Director of environmental justice" as a specific role within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs, and "environmental justice" as the right to be protected from pollution and enjoy a clean environment, emphasizing equal protection and meaningful involvement for all people. An "environmental justice population" is defined as a neighborhood meeting certain income and demographic criteria, or otherwise identified by the state. Crucially, before applying for a permit to construct a generating facility, applicants must submit a preliminary statement detailing the project, its potential environmental and public health impacts, how it might affect environmental justice populations, proposed mitigation measures, and contact information. This statement must be shared with various government bodies, community groups, and public libraries, and translated into primary languages of affected populations if necessary, with opportunities for public hearings and resident involvement. A fee is required for this preliminary statement, which will fund the review process. The bill also amends existing requirements to include a description of environmental justice populations within a 10-mile radius, a cumulative impact analysis of air and water quality, and a comparison of community characteristics, alongside a justification for the facility's necessity. Finally, when approving a permit, the board must conduct a substantive analysis of the proposed facility's effects on any nearby environmental justice populations, ensuring the project does not unduly burden them and meets various environmental, health, and energy policy standards.