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Bill

HB 256

Comprehensive plan; environmental justice strategy.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 5 co-sponsors

Virginia must develop an environmental justice strategy within its comprehensive state plan to address disproportionate environmental burdens on low-income and minority communities.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0581)
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Bill Summary · HB 256

Legislative bill overview

HB 256 requires Virginia to develop a comprehensive environmental justice strategy as part of its state comprehensive plan. The bill mandates that this strategy address disproportionate environmental burdens and health impacts affecting low-income communities and communities of color, and establish measurable goals for reducing environmental inequities.

Why is this important

Environmental justice has documented real-world consequences: low-income and minority neighborhoods often have higher concentrations of pollution sources, waste facilities, and industrial operations, leading to elevated rates of asthma, lead exposure, and other health problems. Codifying an environmental justice strategy into Virginia's comprehensive planning framework could shift how the state allocates resources, approves developments, and prioritizes remediation efforts in affected communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional and measurement challenges: Determining what constitutes "disproportionate environmental burden" and how to measure progress toward equity goals may prove contentious and difficult to enforce objectively
  • Development and economic trade-offs: Stricter environmental justice requirements could increase project approval timelines and costs, potentially affecting housing development, industrial expansion, and job creation in certain areas
  • Implementation costs and state resources: Creating and maintaining a comprehensive environmental justice strategy requires dedicated funding, staffing, and coordination across multiple state agencies, raising questions about fiscal feasibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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