The city of Lompoc has released the Draft General Plan Environmental Justice Element for a 30-day public review period.

Lompoc has drafted its first Environmental Justice Element of the city’s General Plan. The new element establishes environmental justice goals, policies, and implementation programs to ensure all members of the Lompoc community, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, have equal access to a clean and healthy environment, free from pollution, hazardous waste, and other environmental hazards.

The Environmental Justice Element addresses public health risks and environmental justice concerns citywide and in specific areas of focus across six main topic categories: healthy food access, safe and sanitary housing, pollution exposure, physical activity, public facilities, and civic engagement.

The state of California defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies” (California Government Code Section 65040.12).

“Fair treatment” means no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations, and policies.

The Draft Environmental Justice Element is available for public comment from Feb. 28 through March 28. To view the Draft Environmental Justice Element, visit https://envisionlompoc.com/.

Comments on the Draft Environmental Justice Element can be sent via email to Brian Halvorson at b_halvorson@ci.lompoc.ca.us or via mail to:

City of Lompoc
Community Development Department
Planning Division
100 Civic Center Plaza
Lompoc, CA 93436