An Act to promote urban agriculture in environmental justice communities
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to encourage urban agriculture in communities designated as environmental justice communities within Massachusetts. It modifies definitions related to environmental justice municipalities and prioritizes urban agriculture projects located near these communities. The bill seeks to address environmental burdens and inequities by supporting local food production in areas with historically disadvantaged populations.
Key provisions
- Prioritizes urban agriculture projects within 1 mile of environmental justice populations.
- Defines ‘Environmental justice municipality’ based on income, minority population, English language proficiency, and a combination of these factors.
- Expands the criteria for designating a municipality as an environmental justice municipality.
- Modifies the definition of ‘Environmental burdens’ within Chapter 30.
- Provides the Secretary with discretion to determine if a municipality should not be designated as an environmental justice municipality.
Who is affected
- Environmental justice communities
- Urban farmers
- Residents of environmental justice municipalities
- Massachusetts municipalities
- The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Notable changes
- Introduces a specific definition for ‘Environmental justice municipality’ based on multiple criteria.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Cosponsor
Judith A. Garcia
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