The bill would create an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice. The office would coordinate environmental justice work across the department, develop guidance and training, support public participation, and help state, local, and Tribal governments. A Senior Advisory Council would advise the department and meet at least four times a year.
The bill would also create competitive grants to help state, local, and Tribal governments enforce environmental laws related to environmental justice. Grant funds could pay for staff, training, or programs that provide communities with technical and legal help and support their participation in decisions affecting the environment, health, and safety.
If enacted, the proposal would give communities and government agencies new ways to get information and support on environmental justice matters. Eligible state, local, and Tribal governments could apply for a grant, but each could receive no more than one grant under the program.
The bill authorizes $50 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2035 for the grant program. Each grant would be between $50,000 and $1 million. The federal share would generally be limited to 80 percent, but the Attorney General could waive that limit. The bill also directs the Attorney General to provide the office with the staff and funds needed for its work; it does not specify an amount for those resources.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.