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SB1686Introduced in the Senate

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICIPATION

IntroducedSenate Assignments

Introduced by Christopher Belt, District 57

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.

Official description

Amends the Environmental Justice Act. Creates the Environmental Justice Public Participation Program. Establishes purpose and definitions. Creates the Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency. Sets forth the duties of the Office. Provides that the requirements of the provisions apply to specified permitting actions within areas of environmental justice concern. Requires the Office to use environmental justice notifications to contact people located in areas of environmental justice concern, elected officials, and other interested parties to notify of a proposed permit action in that particular area of environmental justice concern. Provides that if an area is not designated as an area of environmental justice concern due to an error in the Agency's application of EJ Start, a resident of that area may make a request in writing to the Agency for reconsideration of the designation upon providing the Office census data that would otherwise demonstrate the area is an area of environmental justice concern or minority population greater than twice the statewide average. Provides that if an area is designated as an area of environmental justice concern due to an error in the Agency's application of EJ Start, a resident of that area may make a request in writing to the Agency for reconsideration of the designation upon providing the Office census data that would otherwise demonstrate that the area is not an area of environmental justice concern or minority population greater than twice the statewide average. Establishes requirements to apply to permitting transactions in areas of environmental justice concern. Requires the Agency to establish a grievance procedure. Requires the Agency to provide a report to the Commission on Environmental Justice annually regarding the status of all grievances made under the provisions.

Where it stands

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

April 11, 2025

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

What do people think?

Citizen Voice

How would you vote on this bill?

An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.

One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.

Bill history

  1. Filed with Secretary by Sen. Christopher Belt

  2. First Reading

  3. Referred to Assignments

  4. Assigned to Environment and Conservation

  5. Postponed - Environment and Conservation

  6. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 4, 2025

  7. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025

  8. Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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