LPDD Model Law: Establishing an Environmental Advisory Board

This model law establishes a powerful platform for advocating equity and justice in historically marginalized communities. This model law addresses various environmental justice issues, by recognizing the potential harm caused by multiple sources of pollution and environmental stressors.

Membership on the EAB includes:

• Residents from environmental justice areas
• Advocates and community groups dedicated to environmental justice
• Representatives from regulated industries and organizations
• Environmental and public health academics
• Representatives from local and tribal government

The EAB created by this bill provides insights, accountability, and a platform for impacted communities to engage with government decision-makers. The Board works to improve public processes, prioritize the identification and mitigation of environmental justice concerns, and ensure that the voices of affected communities are central to state programs and initiatives.

This model law was prepared by WE ACT for Environmental Justice and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law separate from the LPDD Project. With the permission of these organizations, it is being included here as part of the implementation project of Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization. For more information on the collaboration between WE ACT for Environmental Justice and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, see http://DismantlingInjustice.org.