District Of Columbia Council Bill B25-0564

District Of Columbia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/6/23
• Refer: 11/7/23

Caption

Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023

Impact

The legislation will require that any proposed major actions impacting overburdened communities must include a cumulative impacts statement (CIS) to evaluate potential negative consequences, especially those affecting public health. Moreover, if a project is assessed to disproportionately impact these communities, it will require the provision of mitigating measures or alternative proposals before moving forward. This approach is designed to ensure that development actions do not exacerbate existing environmental burdens, thereby fostering a more equitable regulatory framework.

Summary

B25-0564, known as the Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023, aims to amend the District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act of 1989 by enhancing the requirements for environmental impact assessments. The bill mandates a thorough assessment of cumulative impacts for any major environmental actions in designated overburdened communities, which are identified based on the CDC's Environmental Justice Index. This inclusion seeks to empower communities that have historically faced significant environmental hazards, particularly low-income and predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill represents a significant step towards addressing environmental injustice and enhancing community health protections, there may be opposition from development interests concerned about regulatory burdens. The stipulations for detailed assessments and potential denials of projects based on identified disproportionate impacts could lead to delays in economic development initiatives, raising possible tensions between environmental advocates and business interests. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the new Energy and Environmental Justice Division, mandated by the bill, will be critical in monitoring and enforcing these new provisions.