Bill > S426

This bill, known as the Environmental Justice Act, is intended to promote environmental justice, eliminate disparities in exposure to environmental toxins, and ensure access to environmental benefits within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It establishes the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Advisory Council, which will provide independent advice and recommendations to the Governor, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), and other state agencies on environmental justice issues. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to develop and implement a strategy prioritizing enforcement in neighborhoods with environmental justice populations, establish a Supplemental Environmental Project bank, and work with the Department of Public Health to develop a mapping tool to identify the most affected communities. Additionally, the bill amends the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act to require environmental impact reports to include statements on public health impacts and to maximize opportunities for public involvement, particularly for environmental justice populations lacking English proficiency. The bill also places restrictions on the siting or expansion of facilities subject to the Toxics Release Inventory program within environmental justice neighborhoods and requires the EEA Secretary to appoint a Director of Environmental Justice and coordinate environmental justice efforts across state agencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S426