HB21-1266: Environmental Justice Act

• Establishes comprehensive environmental justice framework requiring state agencies to identify and engage disproportionately impacted communities in air quality decisions through enhanced outreach, multiple comment periods, and translated materials.

• Creates Environmental Justice Ombudsperson position and Advisory Board to advocate for impacted communities, manage environmental mitigation grant programs, and improve state-community relationships.

• Requires enhanced permitting and monitoring for air pollution sources affecting disproportionately impacted communities, with fees directed to Community Impact Cash Fund for mitigation projects.

• Establishes Environmental Justice Action Task Force to recommend modifications to definitions and policies for incorporating environmental justice into state agency operations by November 2022.

• Appropriates $2.55 million for 2021-22 to implement requirements including staffing for air quality division, legal services, and grant administration for environmental mitigation projects in affected communities.