The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has introduced a new environmental justice (EJ) policy. Referred to as the Interim Final EJ Policy, this piece of legislation was published as an interim final policy on September 16, 2023. The policy substantively affects the process and timeline of major environmental permit issuance in Pennsylvania, as well as the enforcement of environmental laws in EJ areas.
The policy was officially published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on the same date, marking a significant milestone towards fostering environmental justice.
The DEP’s new EJ policy is designed with the fundamental aim of protecting the rights of communities that disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental harm. It seeks to achieve this by modifying how major environmental permits are issued, necessitating a more rigorous review process with a particular emphasis on EJ areas.
In addition to changes in permitting regulations, the policy will also chalk out stricter enforcement of environmental laws in EJ areas. Consequently, violators may face heftier penalties and more intense scrutiny, which will undoubtedly have a substantial impact on local businesses and industries.
How the policy will play out practically over time and how much of an impact it will have remains to be seen. However, it represents a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s commitment to environmental justice, striving to ensure that all individuals benefit from the same degree of protection from environmental risks.
More information about Pennsylvania DEP’s publishing of its final interim Environmental Justice Policy can be found at this direct link.