A joint Resolution

TO CREATE THE "JUSTICE FORTY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE" TO STUDY OPPORTUNITIES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE THROUGH TARGETED EFFORTS IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMITTEE SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE WHITE HOUSE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS DISSOLUTION.

Whereas, President Biden unveiled a plan to rebuild the infrastructure of the United States and the plan sets the target of delivering forty percent of the overall benefits from the massive investment in clean energy and our infrastructure to disadvantaged communities; and

Whereas, through the use of tax credits, grants, and low-cost flexible loans, the President's plan addresses racial and environmental injustice to invest in communities disparately impacted by pollution and provide these communities with the benefits of clean energy investments; and

Whereas, many South Carolinians see vast areas for improvement in the areas of housing, broadband access, and water systems throughout the State and active participation in the President's plan could help provide affordable housing, reliable and affordable high-speed Internet access, and clean drinking water to everyone in our State; and

Whereas, it is important to seize the opportunities provided through this plan and create a committee to locate and help organize disadvantaged communities to ensure that these communities derive the full benefit of these credits, grants, and loans to improve the overall quality of life in South Carolina; and

Whereas South Carolina cannot afford to fall behind in the push for a cleaner and more just future. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   (A)   There is created the thirteen member Justice Forty Oversight Committee to study opportunities to address the issue of environmental justice in South Carolina. The study committee shall:

      (1)   identify disadvantaged and marginalized communities throughout South Carolina with environmental justice impact;

      (2)   identify the infrastructure deficiencies in these communities;

      (3)   assist members of the community in developing a plan to apply for assistance to secure funding for the much needed infrastructure projects; and

      (4)   undertake other actions necessary to carry out the purpose of the committee.

   (B)   The study committee must be comprised of:

      (1)   two members of the House of Representatives who serve on the Joint Bond Review Committee appointed by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee;

      (2)   two members of the Senate who serve on the Joint Bond Review Committee appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee;

      (3)   the Director of Environmental Affairs for the Department of Health and Environmental Control or his designee;

      (4)   the Director of the Office of Regulatory Services or his designee;

      (5)   the Director of the Housing Finance and Development Authority or his designee;

      (6)   the Director of the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association or his designee;

      (7)   the Commissioner of Agriculture or his designee;

      (8)   a member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council;

      (9)   the Secretary of Transportation or his designee; and

      (10)   two members appointed by the Governor with experience in the designation and implementation of Opportunity Zones.

   (C)   The study committee shall work with the Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Environmental Affairs as well as any other appropriate entities while undertaking its assigned duties.

   (D)   The House of Representatives and Senate shall provide appropriate staffing for the committee.

   (E)   The study committee shall provide a report to the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council by December 31, 2024, at which time the study committee shall dissolve.

SECTION 2.   This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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