Organizational Sign-On Letter for HB 2043

<div><strong>Please sign on to the letter using the form below.</strong></div>
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<div>On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we support HB 2043 and urge you to do so as well. </div>
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<div>This legislation would uplift Environmental Justice communities by requiring facilities seeking permits within these already burdened areas to prepare a cumulative environmental impact assessment that includes any potential negative impacts their operations may have on the surrounding area. It would also empower the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to deny a permit application if it finds that the cumulative impacts of the facility would further degrade environmental conditions within the community and therefore be too great to justify approval. </div>
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<div>There are over 1,000 identified Environmental Justice areas throughout Pennsylvania which DEP defines as any census tract where 20% or more individuals live at or below the federal poverty line and/or 30% or more of the population identifies as a non-white minority. Historically, these areas have been forced to bear a disproportionate share of adverse environmental impacts. These conditions result in poor health, including cancer and asthma and prevent communities from growing by creating dangerous and undesirable living conditions. </div>
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<div>Pennsylvania’s current Environmental Justice practices are limited to the primary goal of increasing communities' awareness and involvement in the public participation part of the permitting process. </div>
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<div>That’s why Environmental Justice legislation, like HB 2043 is so vital in helping address this systemic racism through creating meaningful avenues that assure the fair treatment of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.  </div>
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<div>It is ALL of our duty to ensure that every Pennsylvanian, especially those that have typically been disenfranchised, has an equal say and seat at the table in order to ensure a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work. </div>
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<div>Sincerely,</div>