Delaware resident Edward Harrison, who struggled with asthma as a child due to industrial pollution in the Route 9 corridor, now owns a barbershop in the same area. Recently, a leak from the Croda chemical plant in 2018 raised concerns about the health risks faced by communities near polluting industries. To address these concerns, House Bill 422, sponsored by Rep. Kendra Johnson, aims to increase oversight of industries near overburdened communities. The bill would require industries to submit environmental impact reports before expanding or establishing facilities near these communities.
Residents like Dora Williams in Rose Hill Gardens support the bill, hoping it will provide more community engagement and information. Critics, however, worry about the impact on businesses and expansion opportunities near these communities. The bill would establish an Environmental Justice Board to review impact reports and increase public participation during the permitting process.
Notably, DNREC declined to comment on the legislation. The bill would require facilities within a half-mile of overburdened communities to submit impact reports before new permits are granted. The board would make recommendations based on these reports, and the DNREC secretary must justify any decisions that go against the board’s recommendation. The board would consist of members from the Legislature and public or private sectors, with at least one member having expertise in public health.
In summary, House Bill 422 seeks to address concerns about the lack of community engagement in the permitting process for industrial facilities near overburdened communities, ultimately aiming to reduce environmental impacts and protect public health.
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