CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, recently announced her support for the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act, named in honor of the late longtime congressman from Richmond.

The measure aims to expand community, tribal and individual protections related to environmental justice, according to a Jan. 30 release from the congresswoman’s office.

It would be a major step forward in addressing disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects of federal laws or programs on communities of color, low-income communities and tribal communities, the release stated. The legislation incorporates 350 written comments from members of the public and leaders within the environmental justice movement.

“For far too long, marginalized communities have borne the brunt of climate change and environmental inequities,” said Spanberger. “These communities in Virginia and across our country are disproportionately exposed to toxins, air and climate pollutants, and a lack of access to the outdoors.

“I’m proud to join the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice Act — named after my dear friend and fellow Virginian, the late Congressman Donald McEachin (1961-2022) — which would take concrete steps to make sure that all Virginians have access to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment.”

The Justice For All Act would create a Federal Energy Transition Economic Development Assistance Fund — paid for through new fees on oil, gas and coal companies — to support communities and workers transitioning away from greenhouse gas-dependent economies.

The measure would direct federal agencies to create a working group on environmental justice compliance and enforcement and to develop strategies and annually report on implementation, and require agencies to provide early and meaningful community involvement opportunities under the National Environmental Policy Act when proposing an action affecting an environmental justice community.

The bill authorizes $75 million annually for grants to support research and program development to reduce health disparities and improve public health and supports more equitable access to parks and recreational opportunities that benefit underserved urban communities.

It would establish requirements concerning chemicals or toxic ingredients in certain products, including cosmetic, consumer, cleaning, toy or baby products; require federal agencies to consider cumulative health impacts under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in making permitting decisions; and expand Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit federally funded programs, policies, practices or activities from causing disparate impacts on the basis of race, color or national origin, according to the release.

Leading the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice Act are U.S. Senators Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., and Barbara Lee, D-Calf.