Our country’s long history of environmental racism is long past due for an end. The same story has been repeated for decades. Without real consequences, polluting industries such as the extraction and petrochemicals industries recklessly pollute certain communities’ air, water, and land. These communities are, for one reason or another made up of people who are of color and low income. Polluters have wrongly deemed them less human and unworthy of basic human rights.
The era of impunity is over as these communities demand action from their representatives. We must confront the legacy of environmental racism that continues stomping on our communities and trapping our families in a vicious cycle of poor health outcomes. Some Congressional leaders have listened to these injustices and introduced legislation that will empower communities with the tools to hold polluters accountable. It’s time for Congress to address this crisis with the seriousness it deserves.
For decades, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color have been living with the horrific legacy of environmental racism. From the South Ward DistrictNewark, New Jersey and its surrounding communities Cancer AlleyLouisiana, to the barrios East Los AngelesIndigenous lands of Navajo Nation,Polluters have poisoned communities by using toxic chemicals that have contaminated their air and water. These communities have disproportionately high levels of pollution. Asthma, CancerAnd premature deaths,Too often, officials have turned their backs on the truth. Our families’ health and well-being suffers as corporate profits rise.
For decades, environmental justice communities have been fighting toxic pollution. Every day, people are forced to act for clean air, clean water, and land that is free from contamination. The difference between today and decades ago is that policymakers have finally listened to some of the original fighters and are now in positions where they can make a difference.
We had very few options for many years, but now we have. Rep. Ralma Grijalva (D-Ariz. Donald McEachin
Donald McEachin (Aston) Donald McEachinDemocratic legislators criticize USPS plan for purchasing gas-powered trucks. Tree equity: Why we support tree ownership. Proposed Virginia maps put rising star House Democrats at risk(D-Va.), met with some communities most affected by pollution. From AppalachiaTo Los AngelesCommunity leaders shared stories about students who missed school because of severe asthma and other respiratory illnesses due to extreme air pollution. They heard from their mothers, fathers and siblings, who shared stories of loved ones who died from cancer early in life, while nearby petrochemical plants, mining sites, and other facilities continued to release toxins into the air, water, and soil. They have received hundreds. Virtual commentsNotifying them of the environmental problems facing their communities, and giving them the tools they needed for holding those responsible accountable.
The Environmental Justice for All ActThis is the result of all these efforts. It’s a bill written by the people, for the people who really need it. It reflects environmental justice communities’ realities and needs. It is based in the idea that everyone deserves clean air and water, regardless of their race, origin, socioeconomic status, or gender. It is the most important step Congress has taken to address the legacy of environmental racism, and to address the disparate effects on communities of color or low-income peoples by mandating bold actions to protect the public health.
The bill gives communities the right to seek justice under the law. The bill would strengthen the National Environmental Policy ActIt would be necessary to consult with tribal governments in order to ensure federal agencies consider cumulative impacts when making permitting decisions for new projects. It would also amend The Civil Rights Act to permit groups to hold federal agencies accountable for discriminating against people of color and those with low income. These communities will have the tools to resist the federal government’s attempts to bulldoze through a community and increase pollution or to greenlight the construction a petrochemical facility.
It is unacceptable for those in power to pretend ignorance to the concerns and experiences that the communities that have suffered the most severe pollution in our country’s history. It is not enough to simply acknowledge this injustice. As lawmakers engage in debate, they must listen to the voices and experiences those most affected by this exploitative legacy and take the solutions seriously.
The facts are obvious. As environmental issues worsen with the climate crisis, it is imperative to take immediate action to not only rectify the injustices from the past but also ensure that these injustices do not happen again. Recognizing the past of environmental racism means taking the necessary steps to ensure that every community has the clean water, air, and land they deserve. This is our chance.
Angelo Logan, campaign director of Moving Forward Network, is responsible for building partnerships between community leaders and academia to protect communities from freight’s impact.
Raul Garcia, legislative director and lobbyist, works to defend and improve federal safeguards for clean water and clean air and against toxics exposure at Earthjustice (a non-profit environmental law organization).