An Act to improve environmental justice in the Commonwealth

This bill, the Commonwealth GREEN ZONES ACT, creates a process to identify and address environmental inequities in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by pollution and contamination. It requires the state environmental agency to conduct audits of "Environmental Justice Neighborhoods" (defined by low income, high minority populations, or limited English proficiency) and designate "Green Zones" within them for targeted improvements. Key mechanisms include forming resident advisory groups, publishing audit findings publicly, and requiring bi-annual reports to the legislature. The bill directly affects communities meeting specific demographic or economic criteria, with the state agency leading the identification and planning for environmental sustainability and resilience.