If he signs it, this will be a historic win for Black people, other people of color, low income people, and those with limited English -- and it’s thanks to a long, collaborative effort. With this law passed, the Black, Brown, immigrant, and low-income communities throughout the state will have a stronger voice -- and will be better able to fight back against trash burning, highway construction, and power plants that we’ve been overburdened with in the past. It’s also a huge move forward toward driving our state’s carbon pollution down to zero, steadily and permanently, at a pace that science demands. Here’s what the environmental justice provisions will do once passed: - Define an “environmental justice population,” which will better protect communities of color, low-income communities, and communities with limited English.
- Establish a statewide environmental justice council
- Provide more opportunities for community involvement in projects that affect these communities
We fought to have the law go even farther in a few places -- requiring projects to look at cumulative impacts on EJ communities, as well as climate change; also requiring developers to pay for translation; among other things. We’ll keep fighting for those things, but right now, we need this bill passed! Please, add your name to the letter to Governor Baker today -- and then help us spread the word, by asking your friends, family, and community to join in.
|
