DEP Invites Comments On Draft Environmental Justice Policy For Permit Reviews, 3 Virtual Hearings Set

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a draft Environmental Justice Policy for Reviewing DEP Permits.  (formal notice)

This policy outlines the opportunities for engagement with individuals in Environmental Justice (EJ) areas during its permit review process. 

The draft policy also integrates EJ considerations into Department-wide operations including, interagency collaboration and EJ planning; EJ mapping, resource and data development; grant program practices; translation processes; and EJ training for Department staff and external partners.

Hearings

DEP has scheduled three virtual hearings on the draft technical guidance--

-- April 5: 5:00 p.m.

-- April 12: 6:00 p.m.

-- April 28: Noon

Persons wishing to reserve time to present testimony at a hearing must contact Glenda Davidson at (717) 783-4759 or RA-EPOEJ@pa.gov at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing. Language interpretation services are available upon request. 

Information on how to access the hearings is available on the EJ Policy webpage.

The deadline for all comments is May 11.  (formal notice)

Visit DEP’s Environmental Justice Policy Revision webpage for more information.  Questions should be directed to  John Brakeall at jbrakeball@pa.gov or (717) 783-9731.

(Map: DEP map of Environmental Justice Areas.)

Related Article:

-- DEP Names Justin Dula Acting Director For Environmental Justice

[Posted: March 10, 2022]  PA Environment Digest