# Climate Justice Act of 2021: What It Actually Does

This bill creates a new advisory committee called the Climate Justice Working Group that will help shape how the United States transitions to clean energy and tackles climate change. The main idea is to make sure this transition doesn't leave behind communities that have historically dealt with the most pollution and environmental problems. Think of it as a formal way to get input from people living in neighborhoods near factories, highways, and waste sites—places that often face worse air quality and health problems than wealthier areas.

The Working Group will be made up of at least 22 members, including eight representatives from community organizations in coastal, rural, urban, and Native American communities, plus officials from various government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and Department of Transportation. These members will work together to create a set of standards and guidelines that identify which communities are most burdened by pollution and climate risks. They'll look at factors like health problems, proximity to polluting facilities, flood and drought risks, income levels, and even historical discrimination. The goal is to create a map or tool that shows exactly which neighborhoods need the most help.

Once they develop these standards, the Working Group will create guiding principles to ensure that when the federal government spends money on clean energy projects, electric vehicles, renewable power, and climate resilience, the benefits actually go to these struggling communities first. The bill requires extensive public input—at least 120 days for comments, four public hearings in different regions, and targeted outreach to make sure people living in affected areas have a real voice in the process. After gathering all this feedback, they'll publish a final report with their recommendations, which federal agencies will then be required to follow when making decisions about climate and environmental programs.

Climate Justice Act of 2021

Clarke, Yvette D.

Climate Justice Act of 2021 This bill requires the President to establish a Climate Justice Working Group that must advise federal entities on a just and equitable transition towards a clean, climate-resilient, and zero-emission economy.