This bill creates a new Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice to address pollution and environmental hazards that disproportionately harm low-income communities, communities of color, Indigenous populations, and other vulnerable groups. The Office will be headed by a Director who will develop a federal environmental justice strategy, coordinate enforcement efforts across Justice Department components, organize regular meetings with community groups, and provide training and guidance to Department attorneys on identifying and addressing environmental justice cases. The bill also establishes a Senior Advisory Council composed of representatives from various Justice Department divisions and offices to oversee implementation and recommend policies. Additionally, the legislation creates a competitive grant program to help state, local, and tribal governments improve their capacity to enforce environmental laws in affected communities, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million per recipient and a total authorization of $50 million annually from 2026 through 2035. Grant funds can support training, hiring staff for environmental enforcement, and establishing community engagement programs.
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