Background Information
During the 2021 Colorado Legislative Session, state legislators proposed a bill that further defines disproportionately impacted communities in relation to environmental justice activities. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment was asked to submit a fiscal note related to the proposed definition and the number of census block groups in the state that would fall into each category.
What was CO Tracking’s role?
Colorado Tracking provided technical assistance to complete the fiscal note.
What product or output came from CO Tracking’s role?
Colorado Tracking estimated the number of block groups and population count that meets each of the three data-based criteria outlined in the HB21-1266 definition of Disproportionately Impacted communities in Colorado. The criteria include census block groups where 40% or more of households are considered low income (at or below 200% FPL); 40% or more of households are people of color; or 40% or more of households are housing-burdened (more than 30% of income is spent on housing).
What action or decision was taken to resolve the problem?
HB21-1266, the Environmental Justice Act, was passed by the state legislature and signed into law in June 2021.
What was the outcome of this action or decision?
The passage of HB21-1266, the Environmental Justice Act, is a piece of landmark environmental justice legislation in the state of Colorado. It further defines disproportionately impacted communities and provides appropriations for expanded environmental justice capacity at CDPHE.