intent of connecticut’s environmental justice law pa 08-94 dep workshop january 13, 2009
TRANSCRIPT
Intent of Connecticut’s Intent of Connecticut’s Environmental Justice Law Environmental Justice Law
PA 08-94PA 08-94DEP WorkshopDEP Workshop
January 13, 2009January 13, 2009
BackgroundBackground
• Large emitters of pollution are often concentrated in a few neighborhoods of many municipalities
• Some municipalities have a large number of such facilities
• These neighborhoods are often low-income neighborhoods
Too Many Facilities May:Too Many Facilities May:
• Reduce the quality of life in a community – Unhealthful effects of pollution– Visual blight– Increased traffic and noise– Lower property values
• Change the character of a community– Promote urbanization– Limit economic development opportunities
What is Environmental Justice?What is Environmental Justice?• The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency defines Environmental Justice as:
• ”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.”
What is Environmental Justice? What is Environmental Justice? ContinuedContinued
• Fair treatment means that no group of people, including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.”
Point Source Air Pollution Point Source Air Pollution Emissions in Connecticut 2000Emissions in Connecticut 2000
VulnerabilityVulnerability
• Environmental hazards are concentrated in low income communities and communities of color in Connecticut– U. of Hartford study– DEP Analysis
• Environmentally related diseases are more common in these communities– Asthma– Cancer– Low Birth Weight– Autoimmune diseases
Goals of the Environmental Goals of the Environmental Justice BillJustice Bill
• Provide for enhanced community notification and participation in the decision-making process for any new or expanded “environmental affecting facility” in DECD designated distressed municipalities and low income census block groups (neighborhoods of 700-1500 people)
• Allow for the provision of environmental benefits in these municipalities and communities
Environmental Justice Environmental Justice CommunitiesCommunities
Distressed MunicipalitiesDistressed MunicipalitiesList of 25 Cities and Towns Designated as Distressed in 2008
Ansonia Meriden Plymouth
Bridgeport Naugatuck Putnam
Bristol New Britain Sprague
Brooklyn New Haven Torrington
Derby New London Waterbury
East Hartford North Canaan West Haven
Enfield Norwich Winchester
Hartford Plainfield Windham
Killingly
Towns With Some Low Income Towns With Some Low Income NeighborhoodsNeighborhoods
For Further Information Contact:For Further Information Contact:
Mark A. Mitchell, M.D., MPH
President
Connecticut Coalition for
Environmental Justice
860-548-1133