Honor Earth Day: Fight Environmental Injustice
In 1991, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton stood before an audience gathered at the First National People of Color Leadership Summit. The Summit had sought to redefine environmentalism from the perspective and lived experience of those typically not represented in largely white environmental organizations. Brought together those most affected by environmental exploitation and destruction and helped further the grassroots action necessary to fundamentally transform society. As Norton reached the conclusion of her remarks, she declared that the country would one day hear those gathered, and she vowed that members of Congress would hear them as well. All these many years later—30 to be exact—the weight of history is upon us. Congress must finally listen and act by passing the Environmental Justice for All Act.
The Act resulted from two and half years of consultation and collaboration with members of communities that have suffered from environmental racism and inequality. Key aspects of the bill include:
Strengthening of legal recourse when federal programs, policies, or practices have discriminatory effects.
Requirement that federal agencies consider the cumulative impacts on human health when deciding whether to issue permit decisions under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.
Imposition of fees upon oil, gas, and coal companies which would be used by a newly created Federal Energy Transition Economic Development Assistance Fund to support workers and communities as industries transition away from fossil fuels.
Annual provision of $75 million for research and programs to improve public health and reduce health disparities in communities that have suffered from environmental injustice.
The time has come to pass the Environmental Justice for All Act. You can help make this happen. Contact your members of congress to see that this Act is finally passed. Together, we can ensure that all God’s people have access to a healthy environment where life can flourish and thrive.