Constitutional amendment; environmental justice (first reference). (HJ524)

Introduced By

Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) with support from co-patrons Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church), and Del. Irene Shin (D-Herndon)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate

Description

Constitutional amendment (first reference); environmental justice. Establishes that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to follow the principles of environmental justice in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies and to ensure that no population, especially minority, low-income, or historically economically disadvantaged communities, faces higher levels or greater impacts of pollution and climate change than other populations. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/10/2023Committee
01/10/2023Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/23 23103140D
01/10/2023Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
02/07/2023Left in Privileges and Elections

Comments

richard altice writes:

There are problems with the definitions in the phraseology used in this bill, which precludes my decision as to yea or nay. I need to know what is meant by: environmental justice, fair treatment, meaningful involvement, and climate change. The simple definitions of these words could be obviously understood, BUT they are also easily perverted and have been by various groups. Throughout recorded human history, details are written that each year, each generation the climate is changing; the constant of climate IS change. But groups want us to believe that it is static and any unacceptable change is taxable. All of the mentioned phrases are catch phrases used by various groups for nefarious purposes. The wording of this bill, though sounding of good purpose, is too vague, too dangerous and thus, in my opinion must be rejected. Also this bill seems to make one group of people more advantageous over another; what happened to we all are EQUAL under the law??

Ronald N Quasebarth writes:

What is meant by the term "environmental justice" anyway? Is my right to that being trampled by people who could never in open debate prove or defend climate change? Please focus on real issues that will actually aid those of the less fortunate like truly effective teaching and crime free schools.

BilltheThrill writes:

A way to buy green votes with welfare.
How many welfare programs are there. How much is lost to admin and fraud?