PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2018
Contact: Clarissa Rojas
(202) 225-8220
clarissa.rojas@mail.house.gov
United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force Co-Chairs Introduced Environmental Rights Legislation
WASHINGTON – Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) along with her United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force co-chairs, Reps. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), introduced legislation to affirm all people’s right to clean air, pure water and the sustainable preservation of our natural environment.
“Access to clean air and clean water are two of the biggest challenges facing the health and well-being of communities across America. For too long, our most vulnerable communities, including my own district, have been at the frontlines of the environmental injustices inflicted by climate change,” said Rep. Barragán. “By introducing this amendment, my colleagues and I are reaffirming our commitment that every person, no matter where they live, has a right to clean air and clean water.”
“Climate change continues to ravage our communities, contributing to ever-worsening droughts, storms, and other severe weather events. Our seas are rising, threatening homes and livelihoods. These threats affect all people, but communities of color and low-income communities continue to suffer disproportionately. It is our responsibility to pursue climate justice, and serve the American people by implementing stronger protections,” said Rep. McEachin. “This amendment seeks to guarantee that all Americans enjoy clean air, pure water, and access to a healthy natural environment. By enshrining these critical safeguards in our Constitution, we will ensure that our both our environment and our people are protected.”
“As a founding co-chair or the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force, I am proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Donald McEachin and Nanette Diaz Barragán, in introducing this critical amendment,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Everyone in our country and in our world deserves access to clean air and clean water. This is about safeguarding our environment, but it is also about advancing equity in all of our communities, especially the frontline communities that bear disproportionate impacts of climate change. It is about protecting the health of our children and our future. This amendment is past-due, and I look forward to advancing it alongside my colleagues in Congress.”
The proposed constitutional amendment is the final piece of legislation the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force will introduce in the 115thCongress. The co-founders will continue to introduce legislation in the next Congress, in the Democratic Majority, to fulfill their mission to address the disproportionate environmental impact on communities of color, low-income families and rural areas.
Complete legislation text is available here.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.