This bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929 to establish the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Environmental Protection. The new office is tasked with promoting and ensuring environmental justice across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It mandates that each Commonwealth agency incorporate environmental justice into their missions by addressing and mitigating the adverse effects of their programs on communities of color and low-income communities. The office will have various powers and duties, including advising the Governor, coordinating with agencies, developing a statewide environmental justice strategy, and facilitating public participation in decision-making processes.

Additionally, the bill creates the Environmental Justice Task Force and the Environmental Justice Advisory Board. The Task Force will consist of up to fifteen members, including representatives from affected communities and various state departments, and will be responsible for developing action plans to address environmental health risks in municipalities. The Advisory Board will review and make recommendations on laws and policies impacting environmental health. The bill emphasizes the importance of equitable engagement and access to information for communities of color and low-income communities, ensuring that they are not disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 69 (Jan 22, 2025): P.L.177, No.175
Printer's No. 0069: P.L.177, No.175