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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 23, 2023 11:40 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Malcolm Kenyatta and Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Christopher M. Rabb |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Codification and Expansion of the Office of Environmental Justice |
| Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Achievement of environmental justice is accomplished when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and has equal access to the decision-making process in order to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. National stories like the one about the crisis with the drinking water system in Flint, Michigan, have shone a spotlight on local and statewide issues of environmental racism. It is imperative that government be responsive and accountable to such injustices, which is why we will be introducing legislation to codify the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) within the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Under this legislation, the OEJ would continue to advise state agencies on issues of environmental justice and make recommendations for policies to address the concerns of burdened communities across the Commonwealth. In addition, it would work with a task force on the implementation of an action plan aimed at strengthening environmental justice policies and awareness. Please join us in co-sponsoring this vitally important legislation. |
Introduced as HB742