SB 1267 Summary

• Requires state agencies, boards, and commissions to adopt and implement environmental justice policies ensuring meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, income, or education level in decisions affecting environmental quality.

• Establishes an Environmental Justice Advisory Council with 15 members including representatives from grassroots organizations, environmental groups, civil rights organizations, businesses, government, and labor, meeting at least quarterly until July 1, 2027.

• Creates a multiagency Environmental Justice Task Force led by the Directors of Environmental Quality and Health Services, including representatives from the Governor's office, Attorney General, Agriculture Department, Transportation Department, and Education Department to address environmental justice issues.

• Authorizes community members to petition the task force regarding disproportionate exposure to environmental health risks, requiring the task force to develop action plans for selected communities that address environmental burdens and include specific timelines and resource allocation.

• Declares the legislative purpose of ensuring fair treatment and meaningful involvement in environmental decision-making for communities based on findings that minority and low-income communities disproportionately bear health risks from pollution and environmental hazards.