House clears Vermont’s proposed bill for environmental justice Legislation passed by Vermont’s House of Representatives on Wednesday would require state agencies to address environmental burdens such as pollution and the impacts of climate change that disproportionately impact people of color, people who have low incomes, people with disabilities and others. Photo illustration by Polina Takilevictch/PexelsState lawmakers in Vermonts House of Representatives voted to pass a bill on Wednesday that, if signed by the governor, would establish the states first environmental justice policy. S.148, as amended by the House, passed on a voice vote and is now headed back to the Senate for final approval before it goes to the governors desk. The proposed policy would require state agencies to address environmental burdens such as pollution and the impacts of climate change that disproportionately impact people of color, people who have low incomes, people with disabilities and others in Vermont. State officials would use a mapping tool in order to identify the most vulnerable communities to environmental burdens. These communities are those that face the greatest barriers to environmental benefits such as green space and renewable energy. With help from two new bodies the Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the Interagency Environmental Justice Committee state agencies would be directed to invest more in communities facing negative environmental impacts. The legislation sets a goal to invite more than 50% of the 11-member Environmental Justice Advisory Council (which would be part of Agency of Natural Resources), directly from communities concerned with environmental justice. Agencies would have to offer opportunities to residents of affected communities to participate directly in decision-making processes that could affect them. S.148 is Vermont’s chance for a move upstream that addresses causes rather than symptoms, stated Rep. Kari Dolan (D-Waitsfield), who presented the bill Tuesday to lawmakers. Julie Moore, secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, which would be responsible for implementing the bill, has expressed concerns that the amount of money thats being allocated for the work isnt enough $700,000, down from $3 million earlier in the session. Wednesday’s House passage was praised by environmental groups. Johanna Miller, energy program director at Vermont Natural Resources Council, stated that Vermonters with low incomes and Vermonters who are of color have been burdened by environmental problems for too long. S.148 is crucial to address these disparities. The House’s decisive vote today is the next step to make this bill a law. Don’t miss a single thing. Register here to receive VTDigger’s weekly email on energy and the environment. Only 200 members remain! We are close to completing our crucial Spring Member Drive. VTDigger, a non-profit, relies on voluntary donations by readers to keep the news flowing — and it’s free for everyone who needs it. Donate any amount today to help us sustain our investigative reporting. 1 donation equals 1 children’s book through our partnership.