Bill would have state environmental officials give priority to marginalized communities when deciding policy

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 24, 2023

Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require the state Department of Environmental Protection to include marginalized communities and those who feel the impact of climate change first and most in its environmental policy decisions. Advocates like the idea of codifying environmental justice in state statute, but say the bill doesn’t go far enough. They want to expand the definition of marginalized and frontline groups, require the state to fairly distribute funding to them, and require the state to address their concerns. Some business groups worry the bill could slow the state regulatory process.