Bill
HR 1553
The bill establishes an Office of Environmental Justice in the DOJ to empower marginalized communities, ensuring fair treatment in environmental decisions and enhancing federal accountability.
Bill Number: HR 1553
Title: Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025
Introduced: February 25, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: Nanette Diaz Barragán
Cosponsors: 13 additional representatives
Related Bill: S 720 (companion bill)
The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to establish an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice (DOJ). This office is intended to enhance the federal government's ability to address environmental justice issues, ensuring that all communities, particularly marginalized and low-income populations, are treated fairly and have a voice in environmental decision-making processes.
The Director of the Office will be tasked with several responsibilities, including:
- Developing an Environmental Justice Strategy: A strategy will be created and updated every five years to guide federal actions related to environmental justice.
- Coordinating Environmental Matters: The office will coordinate environmental issues across the DOJ and U.S. Attorneys’ offices, enhancing outreach and engagement.
- Grant Administration: The office will manage a grant program to support environmental justice initiatives.
- Public Participation: It will promote public involvement in environmental decision-making and provide resources to help communities understand their rights and how to engage with federal agencies.
- Training and Support: The office will offer training for state and local governments on environmental enforcement and support community engagement efforts.
The bill includes specific definitions to clarify terms such as:
- Environmental Justice: The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals in environmental decision-making, regardless of race, income, or other factors.
- Environmental Justice Matter: Any civil or criminal matter that may disproportionately affect low-income or Indigenous communities.
The establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice is expected to:
- Empower Communities: Provide marginalized communities with the tools and support needed to advocate for their environmental rights.
- Enhance Federal Accountability: Ensure that federal actions consider the environmental impacts on vulnerable populations.
- Facilitate Collaboration: Foster partnerships between federal, state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community organizations, to address environmental justice concerns.
The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards addressing systemic inequities in environmental policy and enforcement. By creating a dedicated office within the DOJ, the bill seeks to ensure that all communities have equitable access to a healthy environment and a meaningful role in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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