New Hampshire
How Communities for a Better Environment v. State of California applies in New Hampshire: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Civil Rights.
New Hampshire recognizes the principles of environmental justice and community participation in governmental decision-making. Similarly to California's approach in the cited case, New Hampshire emphasizes public accountability and the need for adequate environmental reviews that consider community impacts.
Under New Hampshire law, agencies must conduct environmental assessments that adequately consider the rights of affected communities, particularly regarding disproportionate impacts on marginalized populations.
The court held that local communities have the right to participate in the environmental review processes of state agencies.
The court ruled that community input must be prioritized in zoning and development decisions to prevent adverse effects on low-income residents.
The ruling underscored the importance of environmental justice in regulatory measures undertaken by state agencies.
New Hampshire's approach aligns with federal environmental justice principles as outlined in Executive Order 12898, emphasizing the need for federal agencies to consider environmental impacts on minority and low-income populations. However, New Hampshire places a stronger emphasis on community involvement at the local level.
Bar exam questions may address New Hampshire's environmental justice principles and the role of community involvement in regulatory processes.