DEQ Asks Virginians How to Best Engage Environmental Justice Communities During Permitting Process
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public feedback on how to better engage environmental justice communities during the permitting process for projects, as mandated by a new state law. This initiative aims to update regulatory guidance to address disproportionate environmental harm in low-income and minority areas. Data centers are cited as an example of projects that could be affected by these changes, which include considering cumulative impacts and potentially requiring companies to handle community engagement.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is actively gathering public input to refine its regulatory guidance on engaging environmental justice (EJ) communities during the permitting process. This initiative stems from House Bill 1266, sponsored by Del. Kathy Tran of Fairfax, which became law this year, requiring DEQ to consider the impact of proposed projects on communities that are low-income or predominantly people of color and already experience high rates of environmental harm.
During a recent town hall in Richmond, DEQ officials indicated they are considering new requirements, such as mandating companies seeking permits to manage community engagement efforts themselves and incorporating the cumulative impact of existing environmental stressors when evaluating new projects. Public participants, including Kim Sudderth from Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, urged DEQ to prioritize a comprehensive view of pollution burdens that communities already face.
Rev. Ray McKenzie, a Varina pastor, highlighted challenges faced by residents, citing issues like nondisclosure agreements that restrict information flow about new developments, including forthcoming data centers in eastern Henrico. He also noted that residents often lack proper notice regarding new project plans, leading to protests where community members are then blamed.
Conversely, Stacie Gordon of the Virginia Manufacturers Association expressed concerns from the industrial business community. She argued that requiring developers to account for impacts unrelated to their specific permits could create statewide uncertainty for industries. Gordon advocated for objective and transparent evaluation criteria that also recognize economic benefits alongside environmental consequences, suggesting that positive impacts could offset environmental harms. The DEQ plans another town hall in Virginia Beach on July 29 and is tasked with issuing new guidance by the end of the year.