The passage of SB4959 would lead to a major shift in federal environmental policies by dismantling protections that aim to support vulnerable communities. Critics argue that the removal of these considerations could exacerbate existing inequalities and environmental risks for those populations that are already disproportionately affected by environmental harms. Supporters believe that the bill would reduce bureaucratic burdens and focus on eliminating what they perceive as unnecessary regulations that complicate the rule-making process.
Summary
Senate Bill 4959, titled the 'Reducing Environmental Gamesmanship Act' or the 'REG Act', seeks to prohibit federal agencies from considering environmental justice standards while issuing regulations. This bill targets the practice of integrating environmental justice into federal rule-making, which is designed to address the disproportionate impacts of pollution on minority and low-income populations. If enacted, this legislation will significantly alter how agencies approach environmental rules, limiting their ability to account for these critical social equity considerations.
Contention
The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the current approach to environmental justice creates barriers for businesses and complicates regulatory compliance. On the contrary, opponents contend that ignoring environmental justice standards could lead to increased pollution and health problems for marginalized communities. Additionally, the legislation's repeal of executive orders aimed at promoting environmental justice, such as Executive Order 12898 and Executive Order 14008, has raised concerns about the environmental implications of prioritizing economic activities over community health and welfare.