A diverse array of companies called on Massachusetts lawmakers to pass a crucial environmental justice bill before the end of the legislative session.
Addressed to Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo and House Ways & Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, the letter urges the House of Representatives to pass H. 4264: An act relative to environmental justice in the Commonwealth.
The bill aims to ameliorate the environmental burdens places on low-income and communities of color by:
- Codifying a definition of “environmental justice (EJ) population” in state law that includes race, income, and English language proficiency;
- Enhancing reviews for projects proposed in EJ communities so that they include consideration of potential public health impacts and long-term harms; and
- Ensuring that residents have reasonable access and information to meaningfully participate in public processes concerning projects in their neighborhoods.
Ten companies signed the letter, including Bemis Associates, Berkshire Bank, Biogen, Boston Medical Center, Cape Air, Eastern Bank, Mass General Brigham, NRX Logistics, Saunders Hotel Group, and Trillium Asset Management.
