California Assembly Bill AB2577

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 3/12/20

Caption

Environmental protection: vulnerable population: identification.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of AB 2577 is its emphasis on a participatory approach, ensuring that the identification process incorporates feedback from the communities deemed vulnerable. This mandates a robust engagement strategy to allow members of disadvantaged communities to contribute to the discourse surrounding their status and needs. By focusing on participatory processes, the bill seeks to empower these communities and promote inclusivity in decision-making, which can lead to more tailored and effective policy responses in environmental protection.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2577, introduced by Assembly Member Chiu, focuses on environmental protection by requiring the identification of vulnerable populations in California. The bill mandates that the Office of Planning and Research and the Strategic Growth Council utilize various criteria, including geographic, socioeconomic, public health, and climate exposure factors, to identify these groups. The systematic identification aims to pinpoint communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and poor environmental conditions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB 2577 may arise from the criteria used to define vulnerable populations. Some stakeholders may argue about the specific indicators chosen, such as socioeconomic factors versus health-related criteria, and how these determinations could influence resource allocation or policy interventions. Moreover, the requirement for community involvement might raise discussions on the capacity of certain communities to engage in such processes, highlighting disparities in representation and resource availability.