Environmental Justice Act of 2021

The Environmental Justice Act of 2021 aims to require federal agencies to identify and address the disproportionate health and environmental impacts of their policies on low-income communities, indigenous groups, and communities of color. A key provision of the bill requires agencies to consider "cumulative impacts"—the total combined effect of multiple pollution sources in an area—before issuing or renewing permits under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

For citizens, the bill would expand legal rights by allowing individuals to file private lawsuits against entities receiving federal funds for discriminatory practices that have a disparate impact; currently, individuals must rely on federal agencies to bring such cases on their behalf. Additionally, the legislation would codify several existing executive orders and grant programs into federal law, ensuring long-term funding and support for local environmental problem-solving and tribal consultation.