Overview

In 2020, the General Assembly enacted the Virginia Environmental Justice Act, §§ 2.2-234 and 2.2-235 of the Code of Virginia. The Act makes it Virginia’s policy “to promote environmental justice and ensure that it is carried out throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on environmental justice and fenceline communities.” Also in 2020, the General Assembly amended the DEQ policy statement to indicate that DEQ’s purpose, among others, is “to further environmental justice and enhance public participation in the regulatory and permitting process” and “to ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, faith, disability, or income with respect to the administration of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” § 10.1-1183 of the Code of Virginia. 

Guided by the above-quoted statutory provisions, in 2023, DEQ issued its draft environmental justice guidance, Guidance Memo No. 23-XXXX –Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process. On April 8, 2026, Governor Spanberger approved House Bill (HB) 1266, which directs DEQ to update that draft guidance to consider: (1) how to assess the cumulative impacts of the types of permits covered in the guidance memo; and (2) outreach strategies to engage communities impacted by any such permit. The bill also gave specific timelines for which feedback needs to occur:

  • By July 31, 2026, the guidance memo comment period must include two public town hall meetings;
  • By Oct. 31, 2026, DEQ must respond to public comments; and
  • By Dec. 31, 2026, DEQ must issue the final guidance.

2026 draft guidance will be posted here when it is available. 

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Public Participation

DEQPublic

Public Town Hall Meetings 

DEQ will hold two public town hall meetings. These town hall meetings are for discussion and idea-sharing. If you need language access or accessibility services, please contact us at least seven business days in advance of the meeting.

Richmond metro area town hall

  • Date/Time:  July 22, 2026 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Location:  J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College - Lipman Auditorium (located in the Massey Library Technology Center); 1651 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23228
    Campus map

Tidewater area town hall

  • Date/Time:  July 29, 2026 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Location:  DEQ Tidewater Regional Office; 5636 Southern Blvd.; Virginia Beach, VA  23462
    • Note that this meeting room seats approximately 100 people. Admission is first-come, first-served, until capacity is reached.

Public comment period - Coming soon