Us Congress House Bill HB1673

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Refer: 4/14/23

Caption

Protection from Cumulative Emissions and Underenforcement of Environmental Law Act of 2023

Impact

The bill aims to pinpoint at least 100 communities classified as 'environmental justice communities', where residents are more adversely affected by environmental violations compared to national averages. The Administrator of the EPA is tasked with conducting a thorough analysis of these communities to identify the root causes of environmental violations and to develop actionable measures for reducing such occurrences, consequently fostering healthier living environments in these areas.

Summary

HB1673, named the 'Protection from Cumulative Emissions and Underenforcement of Environmental Law Act of 2023', seeks to advance environmental justice by addressing the cumulative impacts of multiple environmental stressors, particularly on communities that suffer from disproportionate environmental burdens. The bill mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create protocols to assess and mitigate public health risks linked to these stressors, which include various forms of pollution and the impacts of climate change.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB1673 may involve the interpretations of what constitutes as 'environmental justice communities' and how effectively the proposed measures will be implemented. Critics may argue that the bill's reliance on governmental assessments could be too slow or insufficient in providing immediate relief or support for affected communities. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding the allocation of adequate resources to fulfill the bill's objectives within specified timelines, which could be a point of debate among legislators.