A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act
1/30/2024, 8:15 AMSummary of Bill HR 1705
Bill 118 hr 1705, also known as the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of addressing environmental justice issues. The bill is named after Congressman A. Donald McEachin, who has been a vocal advocate for environmental justice.The main purpose of the bill is to ensure that all communities, regardless of race, income, or location, have equal access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment. It aims to address the disproportionate impact of pollution and environmental hazards on low-income and minority communities.
Some key provisions of the bill include: - Requiring federal agencies to consider environmental justice in their decision-making processes and to consult with affected communities. - Providing grants to communities for environmental justice projects and initiatives. - Establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate efforts to address environmental justice issues. - Requiring federal agencies to assess the cumulative impacts of pollution on communities and to take steps to mitigate these impacts. Overall, the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act seeks to promote environmental justice and ensure that all communities have a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being. It is an important step towards addressing environmental inequalities and creating a more just and sustainable future for all Americans.
Congressional Summary of HR 1705
A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act
This bill establishes several environmental justice requirements, advisory bodies, and programs to address the disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects of federal laws or programs on communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities.
Specifically, the bill expands Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit federally funded programs, policies, practices, or activities from causing disparate impacts on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Aggrieved persons may seek legal remedy when faced with such discrimination.
In addition, the bill directs agencies to follow certain requirements concerning environmental justice, including new environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Further, it creates a variety of advisory bodies and positions, such as the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council. Among other things, the council must issue an environmental justice strategy.
It also establishes requirements and programs concerning chemicals or toxic ingredients in certain products. For example, the bill (1) requires certain products (e.g., cosmetics) to include a list of ingredients or warnings; and (2) provides grants for research on designing safer alternatives to chemicals in certain consumer, cleaning, toy, or baby products that have an inherent toxicity or that are associated with chronic adverse health effects.
Finally, it creates a variety of funding programs, such as a grant program to enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban areas.
