Attorney General: Environmental Justice Fund.

Existing law sets forth various programs for the enforcement of environmental protection. Existing law makes legislative findings and declarations that it is in the public interest to provide the people of the state through the Attorney General with adequate remedy to protect the natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment, or destruction. Existing law authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in any judicial or administrative proceeding in which facts are alleged concerning pollution or adverse environmental effects that could affect the public generally. This bill would create the Environmental Justice Fund, into which the Attorney General would be authorized to deposit moneys from various special funds, settlements, and penalties, as specified. The bill would require that the fund be used, upon appropriation by the Legislature, by the Attorney General to provide additional support for investigations and litigation intended to protect communities that endure a disproportionate share of environmental pollution and to promote the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.