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S 2549 ISRSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

110th CONGRESSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

2d SessionCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

S. 2549CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice to provide guidance to Federal agencies on the development of criteria for identifying disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority populations and low-income populations, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

January 23, 2008CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself, Mr. CARDIN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. LAUTENBERG, and Mr. SCHUMER)) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

A BILLCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice to provide guidance to Federal agencies on the development of criteria for identifying disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority populations and low-income populations, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `‘Environmental Justice Renewal Act'’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ADMINISTRATOR- The term `Administrator'‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ADVISORY COUNCIL- The term `Advisory Council'‘Advisory Council’ means the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council established by the Administrator under section 9(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) CLEARINGHOUSE- The term `clearinghouse'‘clearinghouse’ means the Environmental Justice Clearinghouse developed by the Administrator under section 10(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) DIRECTOR- The term `Director'‘Director’ means the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE- The term `environmental justice'‘environmental justice’ means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, educational level, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws (including regulations) to ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) minority and low-income populations have access to public information relating to human health and environmental planning, regulations, and enforcement; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) no minority or low-income population shall be exposed to a disproportionate burden of the negative human health and environmental impacts of pollution or other environmental hazards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY- The term `environmental justice community'‘environmental justice community’ means a community with significant representation of racial or ethnic minorities or low-income populations that experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, a significant or disproportionate burden of environmental stressors, risks, adverse human health effects, or environmental effects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) FAIR TREATMENT- The term `fair treatment'‘fair treatment’ means the conduct of policies and practices to ensure that no group of individuals (including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups) experiences a disproportionate burden of high and adverse human health or environmental effects resulting from any program, activity, or policy of a Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) INDIAN TRIBE- The term `Indian tribe'‘Indian tribe’ has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) STATE- The term `State'‘State’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a territory or possession of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) a tribal government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) TRIBAL GOVERNMENT- The term `tribal government'‘tribal government’ means the governing body of an Indian tribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) WORKING GROUP- The term `Working Group'‘Working Group’ means the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice established by the Administrator under section 3(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE.

(a) Establishment- Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a working group to be known as the `‘Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice'’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purposes- The purposes of the Working Group are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to provide guidance to Federal agencies on the development of the guidance document under subsection (f)(1) for identifying disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) minority populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) low-income populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to coordinate with, provide guidance to, and serve as a clearinghouse for, each Federal agency during the development by each Federal agency of an environmental justice strategy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to ensure that the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of each applicable program, activity, and policy of each Federal agency is undertaken in a manner that minimizes or eliminates disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on racial minority, ethnic minority, or low-income populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) to assist in the coordination of research conducted by, and stimulate cooperation among--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Department of Health and Human Services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the Department of Transportation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) any other Federal agency that conducts research or any other activity relating to the study of human health and environmental research and analysis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) to assist in the coordination of data collection activities conducted by each Federal agency described in paragraph (4);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) to examine each study and available data with respect to issues relating to environmental justice in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) to hold public meetings to conduct fact-finding, receive public comments, and conduct inquiries concerning issues relating to environmental justice, the summaries of the comments and recommendations from which shall be made available to the public;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) to develop interagency model projects on issues relating to environmental justice that evidence cooperation among Federal agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) to engage in regular consultation with the Advisory Council, but not less than once per year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) to assess and review the activities of the Federal Government (including any policy or program of the Federal Government in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act) to minimize and eliminate disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on racial minority, ethnic minority, or low-income populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) to seek advice from community-based organizations and academic experts who are engaged in environmental justice research and other activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Composition- The Working Group shall be composed of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the Administrator (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the Secretary of Defense (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) the Secretary of Labor (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) the Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) the Secretary of Transportation (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) the Attorney General (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) the Secretary of the Interior (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) the Secretary of Commerce (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) the Secretary of Energy (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) the Secretary of Homeland Security (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) the Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Policy (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) the Director of the National Economic Council (or a designee);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (or a designee); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(19) any other official of the Federal Government that the President may designate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Chairperson- The President (or a designee) shall serve as the Chairperson of the Working Group.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Report to President- The Working Group shall report to the President through--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Policy; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Uniform Consideration Guidance Document-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- To ensure that there is a common level of understanding of terminology used in dealing with environmental justice issues, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall develop and publish in the Federal Register a guidance document that outlines the ways in which the following considerations will be taken into account in defining communities as environmental justice communities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) A disproportionate burden of adverse human health or environmental impacts, or the potential for those impacts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Aggregation of risk.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Cumulative sources of risk.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) Additional elements in the community that indicate vulnerability, such as a high incidence of disease and lower income levels.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) The capacity of communities to address environmental concerns.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PUBLIC COMMENT- For a period of not less than 30 days, the Working Group shall seek public comment on the guidance document developed under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) DOCUMENTATION- Not later than 90 days after the date of publication of the guidance document under paragraph (1), the head of each Federal agency participating in the Working Group shall document the ways in which the Federal agency will incorporate guidance from the document into the environmental justice strategy of the Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Development of Interagency Federal Environmental Justice Strategy-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date on which the environmental justice strategies of the Federal agencies are finalized under section 4(b)(3)(A)(i), after notice and opportunity for public comment, the Working Group shall develop and promulgate a coordinated interagency Federal environmental justice strategy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONSIDERATION- In carrying out paragraph (1), the Working Group shall consider each environmental justice strategy developed by each Federal agency under section 4(b)(3)(A)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Report to President-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 180 days after the date described in subsection (g)(1), the Working Group shall, through the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, submit to the President a report that contains--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a description of the implementation of the interagency Federal environmental justice strategy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a copy of the finalized environmental justice strategy of each Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The head of each Federal agency shall make the report described in paragraph (1) available to the public (including by posting a copy of the report on the website of each Federal agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.

(a) Conduct of Programs- Each Federal agency shall conduct each program, policy and activity of the Federal agency that adversely affects or has the potential to affect human health or the environment in a manner that ensures that each program, policy, and activity does not have an effect of excluding any individual from participating in, denying any individual the benefits of, or subjecting any individuals to discrimination or disparate impact under any program, policy, or activity of the Federal agency because of the race, color, national origin, or income level of the individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Federal Agency Environmental Justice Strategies-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) DEVELOPMENT- Each Federal agency that participates in the Working Group shall develop an agency-wide environmental justice strategy that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) identifies and addresses any disproportionately high or adverse human health or environmental effects of each program, policy, and activity of the Federal agency on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) minority populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) low-income populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) complies with each requirement described in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTENTS- Each environmental justice strategy developed by a Federal agency under paragraph (1) shall contain--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) an assessment that identifies each program, policy, planning and public participation process, enforcement activity, and rulemaking procedure relating to human health or the environment that the Federal agency determines should be revised--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to ensure the enforcement by the Federal agency of each health or environmental statute relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) minority populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) low-income populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to ensure greater and more meaningful public participation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) to improve the conduct by the Federal agency of research and data collection activities relating to the health and environment of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) minority populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) low-income populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) to facilitate the identification of differential development patterns and access to natural resources among--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) minority populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) low-income populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) to integrate environmental justice into the activities of the Federal agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vi) to ensure that the Federal agency undertakes activities to reduce or eliminate disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on racial minority, ethnic minority, and low-income populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a timetable for the completion of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) each revision identified under subparagraph (A); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) an assessment of the economic and social implications of each revision identified under subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) FINALIZATION; IMPLEMENTATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) FINALIZATION OF AGENCY-WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE STRATEGY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, after notice and opportunity for public comment, each Federal agency shall finalize the environmental justice strategy of the Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECTS- During the period described in clause (i), as part of the environmental justice strategy finalized under that clause, each Federal agency shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) identify each project that could be promptly carried out by the Federal agency to address any revision identified under paragraph (2); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) develop a schedule for carrying out each project identified by the Federal agency under subclause (I).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES- In carrying out clause (ii), each Federal agency shall coordinate the activities of the Federal agency with the Working Group to minimize the duplication of, and maximize the effectiveness of, the activities of each Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) REPORTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) ANNUAL REPORTS- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, each Federal agency shall submit to the Working Group a report describing the progress of the Federal agency in implementing the environmental justice strategy of the Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) PERIODIC REPORTS- In addition to the annual reports described in subclause (I), upon the receipt of a request from the Working Group, a Federal agency shall submit to the Working Group a report that contains such information as the Working Group may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) REVISION OF AGENCY-WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE STRATEGY- Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each Federal agency shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) evaluate the environmental justice strategy of the Federal agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) submit to the Working Group a copy of the revised version of the environmental justice strategy of the Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) PETITION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The head of a Federal agency may submit to the President a petition for an exemption of any requirement described in this section with respect to any program or activity of the Federal agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) AVAILABILITY TO PUBLIC- Each petition submitted by a Federal agency to the President under subparagraph (A) shall be made available to the public (including through a description of the petition on the website of the Federal agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) CONSIDERATION- In determining whether to grant a petition for an exemption submitted by a Federal agency to the President under subparagraph (A), the President shall consider whether the granting of the petition would likely--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) result in disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on racial minority, ethnic minority, or low-income populations; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) exacerbate any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effect on any racial minority, ethnic minority, or low-income population.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) APPEAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- Not later than 90 days after the date on which the President approves a petition under this paragraph, an individual may appeal the decision of the President to approve the petition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) WRITTEN APPEAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) IN GENERAL- To appeal a decision of the President under clause (i), an individual shall submit a written appeal to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

(aa) the Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental Policy; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

(bb) the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

(II) CONTENTS- A written appeal shall contain a description of each reason why the exemption that is the subject of the petition is unnecessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) REQUIREMENT OF PRESIDENT- Not later than 90 days after the date on which an official described in clause (ii)(I) receives a written appeal submitted by an individual under that clause, the President shall provide to the individual a written notification describing the decision of the President with respect to the appeal.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. OMBUDSMEN.

(a) Establishment- The Administrator shall establish within the Environmental Protection Agency a position of Environmental Justice Ombudsman to receive, review, and process complaints and allegations with respect to environmental justice programs and activities of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Reporting- The Environmental Justice Ombudsman shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) report directly to the Administrator; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) not be required to report to the Office of Environmental Justice.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Regional Staff-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE OMBUDSMAN- The Administrator shall allow the Environmental Justice Ombudsman to hire such staff as the Environmental Justice Ombudsman determines to be necessary to carry out at each regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency the responsibilities of the Environmental Justice Ombudsman described in subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FULL-TIME POSITION- Each individual hired by the Environmental Justice Ombudsman under paragraph (1) shall be hired as a full-time employee of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.

(a) Initial Period of Training- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall offer to each employee of the Environmental Protection Agency an opportunity to participate in an environmental justice training program to ensure that each employee of the Environmental Protection Agency--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) has received training in environmental justice; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) is capable of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) appropriately incorporating environmental justice concepts into the daily activities of the employee;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) addressing the needs of environmental justice communities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) increasing the meaningful participation of individuals from environmental justice communities in the activities of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Mandatory Participation- Effective on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, each individual hired by the Environmental Protection Agency after that date shall be required to participate in environmental justice training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Requirement Relating to Certain Employees-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- With respect to each Federal agency, not later than 30 days after the date on which an individual is appointed to the position of environmental justice coordinator, environmental justice ombudsman, or any other position the responsibility of which involves the conduct of environmental justice activities, the individual shall be required to possess documentation of the completion by the individual of environmental justice training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) EFFECT- If an individual described in paragraph (1) fails to meet the requirement described in that paragraph, the Federal agency at which the individual is employed shall transfer the individual to a different position until the date on which the individual completes environmental justice training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) EVALUATION- Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency shall evaluate each training program of the Environmental Protection Agency to determine if the Environmental Protection Agency has improved the rate of training of the employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that each employee has received environmental justice training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. GRANT PROGRAMS.

(a) Small Grant Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Administrator shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall provide grants to eligible entities to assist the eligible entities in--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) building capacity to address issues relating to environmental justice; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) carrying out any activity described in paragraph (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible to receive a small grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall be a nonprofit, community-based organization that conducts activities to reduce the disproportionate health impacts of environmental pollution in the environmental justice community at which the eligible organization proposes to conduct an activity that is the subject of the application described in paragraph (3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) APPLICATION- To be eligible to receive a small grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) an outline describing the means by which the project proposed by the eligible entity will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) with respect to environmental and public health issues at the local level, increase the understanding of the community at which the eligible entity will conduct the project;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) improve the ability of the community to address each issue described in clause (i); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) facilitate collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders (including members of the community);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a proposed budget for each activity of the project that is the subject of the application;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) a list of proposed outcomes with respect to the proposed project;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) a description of the ways by which the eligible entity may leverage the funds of the eligible entity, or the funds made available through a small grant under this subsection, to develop a project that is capable of being sustained beyond the period of the small grant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) a description of the ways by which the eligible entity is linked to, and representative of, the community at which the eligible entity will conduct the project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) USE OF FUNDS- An eligible entity that receives funds through a small grant under paragraph (1) shall use the funds to carry out culturally and linguistically appropriate activities that are tailored to the needs of the community to address environmental justice concerns and improve the health or environment of the community, including activities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to create or develop collaborative partnerships;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to educate and provide outreach services to the community at which the eligible entity proposes to conduct the project;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) to identify, and implement projects to address, environmental or public health concerns; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental or public health issues.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) REPORT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the ways by which the grant program has helped community-based nonprofit organizations address issues relating to environmental justice.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The Administrator shall make the report required under subparagraph (A) available to the public (including by posting a copy of the report on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Collaborative Grant Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Administrator shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall provide not more than 20 collaborative grants to eligible entities that propose, through an application submitted by each eligible entity, to address local environmental or public health issues through the use of the environmental justice collaborative problem-solving model established by the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBILITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), to be eligible to receive a collaborative grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall be a nonprofit, community-based organization that conducts activities to reduce the disproportionate health impacts of environmental pollution in the community in which the eligible organization is located.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) LIMITATION- The Administrator shall select not more than 2 grantees from each region of the United States, as determined by the Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) APPLICATION- To be eligible to receive a collaborative grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the means by which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the eligible entity will use the environmental justice collaborative problem-solving model; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the activities of the eligible entity will incorporate relevant statutes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the ways by which the eligible entity is linked to, and representative of, the community at which the eligible entity will conduct the activities proposed by the eligible entity; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) the activities that the eligible entity shall undertake to reduce or eliminate disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on the community in which the eligible entity is based.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) USE OF FUNDS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING ACTIVITIES- An eligible entity that receives funds through a collaborative grant under paragraph (1) shall use the funds to carry out collaborative problem-solving activities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to address environmental justice concerns and improve the health or environment of the community; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) through the use of not less than 2 statutes described in subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) AUTHORIZED STATUTES- In carrying out an activity described in subparagraph (A), an eligible entity may use any appropriate statute, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vi) the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vii) the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(viii) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ix) the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(x) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(xi) Federal pollution prevention statutes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(xii) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(xiii) any other statute relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) the use of tribal land, territories, or artifacts; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) environmental justice (including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) REPORT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the implementation of the collaborative grant program established under paragraph (1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the impact of the collaborative grant program in addressing environmental justice concerns in communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The Administrator shall make the report required under subparagraph (A) available to the public (including by posting a copy of the report on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Interagency Cooperative Agreement Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Administrator, in cooperation with appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall enter into not more than 20 cooperative agreements with eligible entities to carry out interagency activities that address issues relating to environmental justice in communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) PARTNERSHIP REQUIREMENT- To be eligible to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Administrator under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall be a partnership comprised of 2 or more entities described in subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) ELIGIBLE PARTNERS- A partnership described in subparagraph (A) may be comprised of 1 or more--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Federal agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) State or local governmental agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) community-based organizations that conduct activities relating to environmental justice issues;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) representatives of accredited institutions of higher education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) local businesses and representatives of the private sector; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vi) appropriate entities, as determined by the Administrator.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) USE OF FUNDS- An eligible entity that receives funds through a cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) shall use the funds to carry out any activity that the Administrator determines would advance the objectives of the environmental justice strategy developed by the Working Group under section 3(g)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) REPORT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the implementation of the cooperative agreement program established under paragraph (1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the impact of the cooperative agreement program on addressing issues relating to environmental justice in communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The Administrator shall make the report required under subparagraph (A) available to the public (including by posting a copy of the report on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) State Grant Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Administrator shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall provide grants to States to enable the States--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to establish culturally and linguistically appropriate protocols, activities, and mechanisms for addressing issues relating to environmental justice; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to carry out culturally and linguistically appropriate activities to reduce or eliminate disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on environmental justice communities in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBILITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) APPLICATION- To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), a State shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) a plan that contains a description of the means by which the funds provided through a grant under paragraph (1) will be used to address issues relating to environmental justice at the State level; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) assurances that the funds provided through a grant under paragraph (1) will be used only to supplement the amount of funds that the State allocates for initiatives relating to environmental justice.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) ABILITY TO CONTINUE PROGRAM- To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), a State shall demonstrate to the Administrator that the State has the ability to continue each program that is the subject of funds provided through a grant under paragraph (1) after the date of receipt of the funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) REPORT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the implementation of the grant program established under paragraph (1);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the impact of the grant program on improving the ability of each participating State to address environmental justice issues; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the activities carried out by each State to reduce or eliminate disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on environmental justice communities in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The Administrator shall make the report required under subparagraph (A) available to the public (including by posting a copy of the report on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Community-Based Participatory Research Grant Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Administrator, in consultation with the Director, shall establish a program under which the Administrator shall provide not more than 25 multiyear grants to eligible entities to carry out community-based participatory research--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) to address issues relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) to improve the environment of residents of environmental justice communities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) to improve the health outcomes of residents of environmental justice communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible to receive a multiyear grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall be a partnership comprised of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) an accredited institution of higher education; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a community-based organization.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) APPLICATION- To be eligible to receive a multiyear grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a detailed description of the partnership of the eligible entity that, as determined by the Administrator, demonstrates the participation of members of the community at which the eligible entity proposes to conduct the research; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the project proposed by the eligible entity; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the ways by which the project will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(I) address issues relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(II) assist in the improvement of health outcomes of residents of environmental justice communities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(III) assist in the improvement of the environment of residents of environmental justice communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM.

(a) Establishment- The Administrator shall establish a basic training program to increase the capacity of residents of environmental justice communities to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) training relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) basic and advanced techniques for the detection, assessment, and evaluation of the effects of hazardous substances on human health;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) methods to assess the risks to human health presented by hazardous substances;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) methods and technologies to detect hazardous substances in the environment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) basic biological, chemical, and physical methods to reduce the quantity and toxicity of hazardous substances; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) short courses and continuation education programs for residents of communities who are located in close proximity to hazardous substances to provide--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) education relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the proper manner to handle hazardous substances;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the management of facilities at which hazardous substances are located (including facility compliance protocols); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) the evaluation of the hazards that facilities described in clause (ii) pose to human health; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) training on environmental and occupational health and safety with respect to the public health and engineering aspects of hazardous waste control.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Grant Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- In carrying out the training program, the Administrator may provide grants to, or enter into any contract or cooperative agreement with, an eligible entity to carry out any training or educational activity described in subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- To be eligible to receive assistance under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall be an accredited institution of education in partnership with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a community-based organization that carries out activities relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a generator of hazardous waste;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) any individual who is involved in the detection, assessment, evaluation, or treatment of environmental waste;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) any owner or operator of a facility at which hazardous substances are located; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) any State or local government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Plan-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Director, shall develop and publish in the Federal Register a plan to carry out the basic training program described in subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTENTS- The plan described in paragraph (1) shall contain--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a list that describes the relative priority of each activity described in subsection (a); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a description of research and training relevant to environmental justice issues of communities adversely affected by pollution.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) COORDINATION WITH FEDERAL AGENCIES- The Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, take appropriate steps to coordinate the activities of the training program described in the plan with the activities of other Federal agencies to avoid any duplication of effort.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Report-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the implementation of the training program established under subsection (a); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the impact of the training program on improving training opportunities for residents of environmental justice communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The Administrator shall make the report required under paragraph (1) available to the public (including by posting a copy of the report on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL.

(a) Establishment- The Administrator shall establish an advisory council to be known as the `National Environmental Justice Advisory Council'‘National Environmental Justice Advisory Council’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Membership- The Advisory Council shall be comprised of 26 members who have knowledge of, or experience relating to, the effect of environmental conditions on racial minority, ethnic minority, or low-income communities, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) representatives of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) community-based organizations that carry out initiatives relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) State and local governments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Indian tribes and other indigenous groups;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) nongovernmental and environmental organizations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) private sector organizations (including representatives of industries and businesses); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) experts in the fields of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) socioeconomic analysis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) health and environmental effects;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) exposure evaluation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) environmental and civil rights law; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) environmental health science research.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Subcommittees; Workgroups-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Advisory Council may establish any subcommittee or workgroup to assist the Advisory Council in carrying out each duty of the Advisory Council described in subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REPORT- Upon the request of the Advisory Council, each subcommittee or workgroup established by the Advisory Council under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Advisory Council a report that contains--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a description of each recommendation of the subcommittee or workgroup; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) any advice requested by the Advisory Council with respect to any duty of the Advisory Council.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Duties- The Advisory Council shall provide independent advice and recommendations to the Administrator with respect to issues relating to environmental justice, including advice--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to help develop, facilitate, and conduct reviews of the direction, criteria, scope, and adequacy of the scientific research and demonstration projects of the Environmental Protection Agency relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to improve the manner by which the Environmental Protection Agency and other entities participate, cooperate, and communicate within the Environmental Protection Agency and between other Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes, environmental justice leaders, interest groups, and the public;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) requested by the Administrator to help improve the response of the Environmental Protection Agency in securing environmental justice for communities of color and low-income citizens of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) on issues relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the developmental framework of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to the integration by the Environmental Protection Agency of socioeconomic programs into the strategic planning, annual planning, and management accountability of the Environmental Protection Agency to achieve environmental justice results throughout the Environmental Protection Agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the measurement and evaluation of the progress, quality, and adequacy of the Environmental Protection Agency in planning, developing, and implementing environmental justice strategies, projects, and programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) any existing and future information management systems, technologies, and data collection activities of the Environmental Protection Agency (including recommendations to conduct analyses that support and strengthen environmental justice programs in administrative and scientific areas);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) the administration by the Administrator of grant programs relating to environmental justice assistance; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) the awareness of, and educational, training, and other outreach activities conducted by, the Environmental Protection Agency relating to environmental justice.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Meetings-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) FREQUENCY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), the Advisory Council shall meet biannually.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) AUTHORITY OF ADMINISTRATOR- The Administrator may require the Advisory Council to conduct additional meetings if the Administrator determines that the conduct of any additional meetings are necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), each meeting of the Advisory Council shall be open to the public to provide the public an opportunity--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to submit comments to the Advisory Council; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to appear before the Advisory Council.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) AUTHORITY OF ADMINISTRATOR- The Administrator may close any meeting, or portion of any meeting, to the public.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) FACA- The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Advisory Council.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Travel Expenses- The Administrator may provide to any member of the Advisory Council travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Advisory Council.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CLEARINGHOUSE.

(a) Establishment- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an internet-based clearinghouse to be known as the `‘Environmental Justice Clearinghouse'’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Contents- The clearinghouse shall be comprised of culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) information describing the activities conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency to address issues relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) copies of training materials provided by the Administrator to help individuals and employees understand and carry out environmental justice activities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) links to webpages that describe environmental justice activities of other Federal agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) a directory of individuals who possess technical expertise in issues relating to environmental justice;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) a directory of nonprofit and community-based organizations that address issues relating to environmental justice at the local, State, and Federal levels (with particular emphasis given to nonprofit and community-based organizations that possess the capability to provide advice or technical assistance to environmental justice communities); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) any other appropriate information, as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Consultation- In developing the clearinghouse, the Administrator shall consult with individuals representing academic and community-based organizations who have expertise in issues relating to environmental justice.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Annual Review- The Advisory Council shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) conduct a review of the clearinghouse on an annual basis; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) recommend to the Administrator any updates for the clearinghouse that the Advisory Council determines to be necessary for the effective operation of the clearinghouse.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 11. PUBLIC MEETINGS.

(a) In General- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the Administrator shall hold public meetings on environmental justice issues at each regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency to gather public input with respect to the planning of future environmental justice activities of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Required Attendance of Certain Employees- In holding a public meeting under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that at least 1 employee of the Environmental Protection Agency at the level of Assistant Administrator is present at the meeting to serve as a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 12. SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES.

The Administrator shall ensure that all supplemental environmental projects developed as part of a settlement relating to violations in an environmental justice community--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) are developed through consultation with, and with the meaningful participation of, individuals from the affected environmental justice community; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) result in a quantifiable improvement to the health or well-being of individuals in the affected environmental justice community.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 13. EVALUATION BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES.

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report that contains an evaluation of the effectiveness of each activity carried out in accordance with this Act, including, for the period covered by the report, an evaluation of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the ways by which the Working Group has developed and implemented environmental justice strategies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the effectiveness of each grant program carried out under this Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency in carrying out the meeting and reporting requirements under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink