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2021 SESSION

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21101762D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 556 Offered January 13, 2021 Prefiled January 12, 2021 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia by adding in Article XI a section numbered 5, relating to environmental justice. ---------- Patrons-- Lopez, Kory and Simonds ---------- Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections ----------

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, a majority of the members elected to each house agreeing, That the following amendment to the Constitution of Virginia be, and the same hereby is, proposed and referred to the General Assembly at its first regular session held after the next general election of members of the House of Delegates for its concurrence in conformity with the provisions of Section 1 of Article XII of the Constitution of Virginia, namely:

Amend the Constitution of Virginia by adding in Article XI a section numbered 5 as follows:

ARTICLE XI CONSERVATION

Section 5. Environmental justice.

In the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies, it is the policy of the Commonwealth to follow the principles of environmental justice, including the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of every person regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. Further, it is the policy of the Commonwealth to ensure that no population, especially minority, low-income, or historically economically disadvantaged communities, faces higher levels or greater impacts of pollution and climate change than other populations.