Environmental Justice Act: Protecting Communities from Pollution and Discrimination
This act aims to ensure that communities of color, indigenous, and low-income populations are not disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution. It mandates federal agencies to consider health and environmental impacts, and empowers citizens to seek legal action against environmental discrimination.
Key points
Federal agencies are now required to actively work towards eliminating environmental inequalities, especially in communities of color and low-income areas.
The act mandates considering cumulative impacts of pollution on health and environment when issuing permits, protecting vulnerable groups.
Citizens gain improved access to public information and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their community's environment and health.
The law strengthens the right to sue for discriminatory environmental practices, providing citizens with tools to fight for justice.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_2630
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Process start date: 2021-08-05