Legislative counsel outlines Vermont’s Act 154 environmental-justice duties, mapping tool and spending reports

Alan, legislative counsel, told the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee on April 4 that Act 154 of 2022 established Vermont’s environmental-justice program and sets duties, definitions and timelines for multiple state agencies.

The statute (Act 154) creates a state environmental-justice policy that says no population segment should bear a disproportionate share of environmental burdens or be denied an equitable share of environmental benefits, and it requires “meaningful participation” by affected communities, Alan said. The law defines environmental benefits and burdens, and specifies the term “environmental justice focused population” using U.S. Census block-group thresholds (median household income at or below 80% of the state median, persons of color or indigenous persons at 6% or more, or at least 1% of households with limited English proficiency).

The law assigns responsibilities to covered agencies — including the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), Transportation, Commerce and Community Development, Agriculture, Education, the…