HB 704

Abstract

Environmental justice; policy. Provides that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote environmental justice, defined in the bill, and to ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth. This bill is identical to SB 406.

Environmental justice; policy. Provides that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote environmental justice, defined in the bill, and to ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth.

Environmental justice; policy. Provides that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote environmental justice, defined in the bill, and to ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth. This bill is identical to SB 406.

Environmental justice; state agency policy;Virginia Council on Environmental Justice. Directs each agencyin the executive branch of state government to examine proposed regulationsfor their effects on environmental justice, defined in the bill,and to develop a policy to promote environmental justice. The billestablishes the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice, consistingof 24 members, to advise the Governor and provide recommendationsintended to protect vulnerable communities from disproportionateimpacts of pollution and provide such communities meaningful involvementin the decision-making process. The bill provides that 18 membersof the Council are citizen members appointed by the Governor and sixare specified Cabinet Secretaries. The Council has a sunset dateof July 1, 2023.