VA HB256

Requires cities with populations over 20,000 and counties over 100,000 to consider adopting an environmental justice strategy during comprehensive plan reviews beginning July 1, 2026

Mandates identification of environmental justice communities and fenceline communities within local jurisdictions, along with major pollution sources and hazardous waste sites

Requires strategies to include objectives for reducing health risks in affected communities through pollution reduction, improved air and water quality, climate resilience, and access to healthy food and safe housing

Directs localities to promote civic engagement by members of environmental justice communities in public decision-making processes

Calls for prioritizing improvements such as low-cost broadband, job training, public transit, parks and greenways, tree canopy expansion, and clean transportation options in identified communities