Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice

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Support the bill, "Act Concerning Environmentally Stressed Communities"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for
An Act Concerning Environmentally Stressed Communities – House Bill #5145

NOTE: the bill actually references “environmental justice” communities, as well as “environmentally stressed” communities.

What is an “environmentally stressed” community and how does it differ from an “economically distressed’ municipality? An “environmentally stressed” community is a neighborhood with 3 or more polluting facilities within a one mile radius. Each of these areas is part of a larger municipality or town. Twenty-four towns are recognized by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) as “economically distressed” and given access to special development funds. This bill will allow any town with an environmentally stressed community access to these development funds, even if not an economically distressed town. Over 70 towns would have access to these funds as a result of this bill.

How many communities are defined as “environmentally stressed”? 70? We mention the number for economically distressed, but environmentally stressed. It gets confusing.

Who is responsible for identifying “environmentally stressed communities”? The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will do this and will notify any towns that have such areas in them as well as other agencies that are involved in siting decisions include the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) and the Siting Council.

Does the bill apply only to urban areas or is it statewide? The bill applies to all areas of the state and especially to the 69 municipalities that contain one or more environmentally stressed communities.

Will this interfere with economic development? No. It has been well- documented that “going green” has stimulated the economy and created many jobs. This bill would encourage adoption of cleaner technologies. It even provides funds and advice to help facilities reduce their pollution levels. Good development is sustainable development, which is also promoted by the Smart Growth component of the bill. Finally, the bill does not forbid building in any particular location. It only requires that more explicit negotiations take place between all interested participants, especially citizens.

Doesn’t the federal government’s EPA already have regulations and laws that protect us? Not enough. If a new facility will produce less than 25 tons per year of any sort of pollution, the EPA does not require state agencies to take into account : 1) the amount of pollution from other facilities in the community or 2) the composition of the population. Currently, low income and minority areas are carrying a disproportionate burden of our state’s polluting facilities. Although there are public notice requirements, they are often ineffective.

Does this mean the current pollution sources will have to be moved to suburban and rural areas?  No. The goal is to reduce pollution everywhere, specifically where it is already concentrated.

Where will the money come from? Some funds will come from the same sources  used for economically distressed towns, such as state funds for economic development and clean energy. Other benefits will be negotiated with the owner of the new or expanding facility.

Who can I contact with questions about this issue? The Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ) is sponsoring this bill. They can be reached at: ccej@environmental-justice.org or phone (860) 548-1133. Follow the progress of this bill in the legislature at: http://www.environmental-justice.org/EJ_bill/

Please see the map below that identifies communities that represent environmental justice and economically distressed communities:

Affected Towns: