An Act further defining an environmental justice population

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to provide a clearer definition of an "environmental justice population," which directly affects how neighborhoods are identified for targeted environmental policies. It establishes specific criteria for designation, such as having a median household income below 65% of the state average, a minority population of 40% or more, or proximity to Superfund sites. The legislation also grants the state secretary authority to designate smaller geographic portions of neighborhoods if at least ten residents petition for it, while allowing the secretary to exclude areas that have high incomes, high education levels, or limited pollution burdens. By updating these definitions, the bill aims to ensure that resources and protections are allocated to communities meeting these specific demographic and environmental conditions.