Title
Amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter 21-3000, entitled "Environmental Justice Reporting," to establish standards for studying and reporting on environmental justice, under certain terms and conditions.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 21. MISCELLANEOUS.
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CHAPTER 21-3000. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE REPORTING.
ยง 21-3001 Definitions.
(1) "Disproportionate effect" means situations of concern where there exists significantly higher and more adverse health and environmental effects on minority populations or low-income populations.
(2) "Environmental benefit" includes, but is not limited to, access to grants, subsidies, loans and other financial assistance relating to energy efficiency or environmental projects; access to open space, green infrastructure and, where relevant, access to waterfronts; and the implementation of environmental initiatives, including climate resilience measures.
(3) "Environmental justice" means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all persons, regardless of race, color, national origin or income level, with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, policies and activities and with respect to the distribution of environmental benefits. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including a racial, ethnic or socioeconomic group, should (i) bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state or local programs and policies; or (ii) receive an inequitably low share of environmental benefits.
(4) "Environmental justice area" means a low-income community located in the city or a minor...
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