Intent of Connecticut’s Environmental Justice Law PA DEP Workshop January 13, 2009

Background 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: 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? 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? Continued 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 Emissions in Connecticut 2000

Vulnerability 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 Justice 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 people) Allow for the provision of environmental benefits in these municipalities and communities

Environmental Justice Communities

Distressed Municipalities List of 25 Cities and Towns Designated as Distressed in 2008 AnsoniaMeridenPlymouth BridgeportNaugatuckPutnam BristolNew BritainSprague BrooklynNew HavenTorrington DerbyNew LondonWaterbury East HartfordNorth CanaanWest Haven EnfieldNorwichWinchester HartfordPlainfieldWindham Killingly

Towns With Some Low Income Neighborhoods

For Further Information Contact: Mark A. Mitchell, M.D., MPH President Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice