In order to provide greater public participation and to ensure that all persons affected by decisions of the natural resource agencies have a voice in those decisions, each natural resource agency shall:

(1) In making a determination whether and how to act, consider the effects of the action on environmental justice issues.

(2) Hold hearings at times and in locations that are convenient for people in the communities that will be affected by the decisions stemming from the hearings.

(3) Engage in public outreach activities in the communities that will be affected by decisions of the agency.

(4) Create a public advocate position that is responsible for:

(a) Encouraging public participation;

(b) Ensuring that the agency considers environmental justice issues; and

(c) Informing the agency of the effect of its decisions on environmental justice communities. [2007 c.909 § 4; 2022 c.58 § 15]

See note under 182.535.