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H.R.1648 / 109th Congress

To require Executive Order 12898 to remain in force until changed by law, to expand the definition of environmental justice, to direct each Federal agency to establish an Environmental Justice Office, and for other purposes.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 14, 2005

States that Executive Order 12898 (pertaining to Federal actions to address environmental justice in minority and low-income populations) shall remain in force until changed by law. Makes the provisions of this Act applicable to such Executive Order.

Defines environmental justice. Establishes criteria for defining an environmental justice community.

Requires specified Federal agencies and offices to establish an Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ).

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Requires Federal agencies to integrate the environmental justice strategy developed under the Executive Order into the operation and mission of the agency and to address compliance with this Act in specified activities.

Directs the interagency Federal Working Group on Environmental Justice to: (1) coordinate an integrated environmental justice training plan for those Federal agencies and offices required to establish OEJs; (2) formalize public participation efforts; (3) survey Federal agencies and offices with regard to outreach efforts; (4) develop a strategy for allocating responsibilities and ensuring participation; and (5) coordinate plans to communicate research results.

Requires: (1) each Federal agency and office with an OEJ to undertake outreach activities and report such activities to the Working Group; and (2) Federal agencies and the Working Group to develop ways to enhance partnerships and coordination with stakeholders.

Directs Federal agencies to fund community technology centers to provide assistance relating to environmental justice.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-23] · D–FL

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Natural Resources Committee
67 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E652)

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Feb 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.1648 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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