FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Climate Task Force, released the following statement on the news the Department of Health and Human Services is creating a new office to address climate change as a public health issue:
“Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra deserves recognition for creating a new office to address public health disparities caused by climate change. As the first federal office of its kind, it will put our communities’ health at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
“Climate change is a public health issue. In my district, and districts around the country, economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color disproportionately face health impacts that come from living near pollution emitting industries that drive climate change while poisoning our air, land, and water. We must bring environmental and climate justice to communities that have suffered from this pollution for far too long.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.