Environmental Justice Coalition and Lead Legislators Highlight Inclusion of Their Legislation in Historic Climate Change Bill
Landmark provision defines EJ communities, provides protections from dirty fossil fuel projects that disproportionately target working class and poor residents, especially in communities of color
Boston, MA - Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Legislature passed An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.2995). This bill codifies environmental justice into Massachusetts law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for low-income communities and minorities. This bill contains key language seeking to address equity issues by ensuring the benefits garnered from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ energy policy will flow equally to all residents, not just to wealthier communities.
“I am deeply grateful to the Next Generation Roadmap Climate Change bill lead conferees Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Tom Golden, for including environmental justice definitions and protections in the landmark legislation," said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). "Four years ago, I was proud to become the lead sponsor on environmental justice legislation, an issue I have championed since working to convince former Governor Deval Patrick to sign an EJ executive order in 2014. I am deeply grateful to my fellow leaders in the Legislature on EJ, and the Environmental Justice Coalition. The coalition is the perfect example that leaders of color have a seat at the table, progress can be made for all working families. In the same spirit, I want to express my deep appreciation for my Environment Senior Adviser, Immaculate Mchome, for her persistent focus on getting this bill to the Governor's desk.”
“For the first time in Massachusetts history, Environmental Justice (EJ) will become the law," said Representative Adrian Madaro. "We have allowed low-income communities and communities of color to bear a disproportionate burden of pollutants and environmental hazards for far too long, while excluding them from the decision-making process affecting their neighborhoods. The provisions in this amendment are the first step in a long overdue process to ensure environmental equity and finally recognize environmental justice and EJ communities in state law. I was proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this legislation as part of the larger Climate Roadmap bill, and I want to thank my fellow sponsors, co-sponsors, and the many grassroots activists of the Environmental Justice Table who worked so hard to get this done."
“The MA Enivronemental Justice Table celebrates this historic moment for the environmental justice movement . As communities most impacted by generations of environmental racism and on the frontlines of the climate crisis, we are thrilled that Massachusetts will finally enact legislation to protect the most vulnerable communities. For far too long Black, Brown, immigrant and low-income communities have been sacrifice zones, carrying a disproportionate number of environmental hazards, fossil fuel and polluting facilities, and public health burdens. COVID19 exposed many of these inequities, and the life and death consequences environmental injustice has on the most vulnerable communities. This legislation is a major and critical first step for our Commonwealth to reverse generations of harm,” said Co-Conveners of MA EJ Table, Maria Belen Power of GreenRoots and Andrea Nyamekye of Neighbor to Neighbor.
“The life expectancy in Roxbury is about 60 years, while other parts of Boston are close to 90 years,” said State Representative Liz Miranda. “That’s partially because Roxbury and Dorchester residents are exposed to more toxins and environmental hazards. I’ve lived in Roxbury my whole life, and this community deserves action to improve community health and our environment. I am incredibly proud of this legislation because I have been working with the community on environmental justice for over two decades, starting as an organizer in the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, and now in legislature, working with families like mine that have experienced the disproportionate burden of environmental injustice.”
In order to ensure equal distribution of clean energy across the state, environmental impact reports will now be required for any project likely to cause damage, and is located within a distance of 1 mile radius of an environmental justice population, as defined by the Act. For projects expected to negatively affect air quality, reports will be produced for neighborhoods within 5 miles.
Reports will include statements describing the nature of the project, studies to evaluate environmental and public health impacts, and all measures being utilized to minimize anticipated damage. Additionally, reports will include information on adverse short-term and long-term damages that cannot be avoided should the project be undertaken, and reasonable alternatives to the proposed project and their environmental consequences.
“I am absolutely thrilled that these key environmental justice provisions were included in this historic climate change bill,” said Senator DiDomenico. “Time and again, cities like Chelsea and Everett in my district have been disproportionately impacted by our Commonwealth’s history of short-sighted environmental policies, and we have taken on this toxic burden for our entire region. Moving forward, this bill ensures that EJ communities have a seat at the table and a voice when decisions are made that impact our homes and our health. I am incredibly grateful for the tireless work of environmental justice advocates throughout the state and my EJ legislative partners for their dedication to getting this done for our communities this session.”
"Including EJ protections in Mass General Laws has been a growing effort for decades here in the state. Today, an enacted bill lays with Gov Baker to sign into law, or for his pocket veto. Reach out to Gov Baker and tell him to sign this critical bill S2995,” said Representative Michelle DuBois.
This incredibly complex piece of legislation would not have survived without the tireless work of environmental justice advocates, primary sponsors and conference committee on climate members. Once again, Massachusetts has taken necessary steps to truly root out systemic racism and health disparities in all policies.
###
