HB 5395 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Section 22a-20a of Connecticut general statutes, effective October 1, 2019, to strengthen environmental justice protections for low-income communities.

• Defines "environmental justice community" as census block groups where at least 30% of the population has income below 200% of the federal poverty level, or distressed municipalities.

• Requires applicants seeking permits for major "affecting facilities" (power plants, incinerators, landfills, sewage treatment plants, recycling facilities, and major air pollution sources) in environmental justice communities to file and obtain approval of a meaningful public participation plan before submitting applications.

• Mandates applicants hold informal public meetings with affected residents in multiple languages, publish notice in newspapers 10-30 days before meetings, and provide clear information about facility impacts; failure to comply makes applications insufficient.

• Requires municipalities hosting five or more permitted affecting facilities to enter into community environmental benefit agreements for any additional facilities, with mitigation funding for activities such as environmental education, pollution reduction, asthma screening, air monitoring, and park improvements.