Us Congress House Bill HB4592

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/12/23
• Refer: 7/12/23
• Refer: 7/13/23
• Refer: 7/14/23

Caption

Cumulative Impacts Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB4592 would significantly change how permits are issued for major pollution sources. The bill requires permitting authorities to consider the cumulative environmental impact on communities, leading to stricter oversight and potentially denying permits if they threaten public health. This approach seeks to integrate environmental justice into federal pollution management by obligating the government to assess the combined effects of multiple pollution sources on vulnerable populations. The implications could lead to reduced pollution levels in critical demographics and improved overall community health.

Summary

House Bill 4592, known as the Cumulative Impacts Act of 2023, aims to establish a federal program for cumulative impact assessments under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. It addresses the disproportionate pollution burden faced by low-income communities and communities of color. The bill recognizes that these communities often bear the brunt of air, water, and soil pollution, leading to heightened health risks such as asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. By mandating cumulative impacts assessments, the legislation seeks to improve community health outcomes and environmental conditions.

Contention

While the bill has faced support from environmental advocates and lawmakers who prioritize public health, it also faces opposition from industry stakeholders who argue that such regulations could lead to economic burdens and hinder development. Critics fear that an over-emphasis on cumulative impacts could complicate the permitting process and deter investments in certain areas. This tension reflects a broader debate about balancing public health priorities with economic development concerns, making HB4592 a crucial topic in the ongoing discourse surrounding environmental policies.