State seeks members for new Environmental Justice Advisory Council

Nov. 29, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Census block groups are groups of neighborhoods as mapped by the U.S. Census Bureau. This preliminary map shows the different areas in Vermont (in green) that fit the definition for one of the groups designated as a focus population for environmental justice. Map courtesy of the State of Vermont

MONTPELIER – The Vermont Senate Committee on Committees and the Speaker of the House are conducting a public application process to fill open seats on the newly formed Environmental Justice Advisory Council. 

The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 5. 

The Environmental Justice Advisory Council was created by Act 154 to provide independent  advice and recommendations to state agencies and the General Assembly on matters relating to  environmental justice including how to incorporate environmental justice principles into state  programs, policies, regulations, legislation, and activities. The council will also evaluate the potential for environmental burdens, disproportionate impacts, or benefits as they relate to specific segments of the state’s population as a result of state actions. 

The 11-member council will meet no more than eight times per year, with at least four meetings occurring jointly with the Interagency Environmental Justice Committee. Meetings may be held in person, remotely, or in a hybrid format. It also will have administrative, technical, and legal assistance from the Agency of Natural Resources. 

The Senate Committee on Committees will appoint the following members to the council:

• one representative of municipal government 

• one representative of a social justice organization 

• one representative of mobile home park residents 

The Speaker of the House will fill the following positions on the council: 

• one individual who resides in a census block group that is designated as an environmental  justice focus population. (See the map. A definition can be found online here.) 

• one representative of an organization working on food security issues 

• one representative of immigrant communities in Vermont 

• one representative of a statewide environmental organization 

Applications for the Committee on Committee openings can be submitted at  ltgov.vermont.gov/COC-Applications.  

Applications for the Speaker of the House openings can be submitted at  

speaker.vermont.gov/form/public-application-form.  

Applications are due Monday, Dec 5.