Bill > S427

This bill aims to decrease the further siting or expansion of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) facilities within Environmental Justice Population neighborhoods. The key provisions are: 1) The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) shall direct each Department, Board, or other agency or program in the Secretariat with jurisdiction over the permitting of any TRI Facility to issue recommendations for ways to substantially decrease the further siting or expansion of TRI Facilities within Environmental Justice Population neighborhoods. 2) The Secretary of EEA shall initiate a rule-making process within 180 days to establish a cap on the total number of TRI Facilities that may be sited or expanded within any Environmental Justice Population neighborhood, prioritizing the reduction of residents' exposure to toxins and preserving access to a clean and healthful environment regardless of race, income, national origin or English language proficiency. The bill also provides definitions for key terms such as "Environmental Justice," "Environmental Benefits," "Environmental Justice Population," "Equal Protection," and "TRI Facility."

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S427