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Connecticut’s current environmental justice law is considered one of the weakest in the country, and there is growing momentum to strengthen it.
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Environmental justice advocates argue that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by pollution and other environmental hazards, and that stronger laws are needed to protect these neighborhoods.
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Lawmakers are considering several proposals to strengthen the law, including requiring environmental impact assessments for certain projects and creating a statewide environmental justice council.
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The proposals have drawn support from a broad coalition of environmental groups, labor unions, and other organizations.
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If the proposals are successful, Connecticut would join a growing number of states that have enacted stronger environmental justice laws in recent years.
By New England Public Media | January 30, 2023
Over 40 groups are asking Gov. Ned Lamont and the General Assembly to create a stronger environmental justice law in the state.
The state environmental justice (EJ) law was last updated in 2020. But now, the coalition of elected officials and environmental advocates is demanding that the state take further legislative action to protect communities negatively impacted by environmental hazards from facilities like power plants, incinerators and sewage treatment plants…
Lamont’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment on proposed changes to the law. Rep. Joe Gresko (D-Stratford), co-chair of the Environment Committee, said in an email that the group is “waiting to receive legislative proposals from DEEP concerning environmental justice.”
Read more from New England Public Media.
