The department shall make every effort practicable to ensure that thirty-five percent of the funds pursuant to this article benefit environmental justice communities.

* NB Takes effect only if section 1 of part TT of chapter 59 of the laws of 2021 enacting the environmental bond act of 2022 "restore mother nature" is submitted to the people at the general election to be held in November 2022 and is approved by the majority of votes