AB 1628
- Policy Category: Environmental Justice
- State: California
- Date Implemented: 9/27/2019
Signed into law 9/27/2019
This bill amended the Government Code, revising the definition of “environmental justice.” It also amended the factors to be considered in the review of a proposal, including population and population density, assessed valuation, the need for organized community services, and a regional transportation plan, among other factors.
““Environmental justice” means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins, with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
“Environmental justice” includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(A) The availability of a healthy environment for all people.
(B) The deterrence, reduction, and elimination of pollution burdens for populations and communities experiencing the adverse effects of that pollution, so that the effects of the pollution are not disproportionately borne by those populations and communities.
(C) Governmental entities engaging and providing technical assistance to populations and communities most impacted by pollution to promote their meaningful participation in all phases of the environmental and land use decision-making process.
(D) At a minimum, the meaningful consideration of recommendations from populations and communities most impacted by pollution into environmental and land use decisions.”
- Action Agency(ies): Office of Planning and Research (coordinating agency), CalEPA, Natural Resources Agency, Department of Transportation, Department of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing
- Policy Champions: California Environmental Justice Alliance, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project
- Read the full policy language
