Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Environmental Justice Access and Implementation Act of 2007. I am pleased to stand with my friends Representatives Hilda Solis, Keith Ellison and John…
Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Environmental Justice Access and Implementation Act of 2007. I am pleased to stand with my friends Representatives Hilda Solis, Keith Ellison and John Conyers for the environmental health of all communities by reintroducing this legislation updated from its previous introduction as H.R. 1648 in the 109th Congress. Once again, this bill will seek to direct federal agencies to establish offices of environmental justice, integrate environmental justice into the core missions of Federal agencies, and establish community technology centers to increase access to information about environmental hazards.
Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, environmental injustices against communities of color and lower-income families have been identified throughout the Nation. Coupled with decades of thorough research acknowledging ``environmental racism'' and encouraging the pursuit of ``environmental justice,'' a tremendous movement has emerged.
Recently, the United Church of Christ report ``Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty: 1987-2007'' was released, synthesizing decades of environmental justice movement developments. This groundbreaking document chronicles the experiences of many communities throughout our Nation disadvantaged by environmental burdens. This report and other research demonstrate that federal agencies need to put their money where there mouth is to meet the expectations of Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations, which was signed by former President Clinton on February 11, 1994. Our communities deserve access to information about the hazards of their immediate environment and have waited well over a decade for the goals set forth by the Executive Order to be met.
Madam Speaker, I first introduced this legislation with a number of my colleagues in 2005 and eventually garnered the support of 67 cosponsors. To once again meet these goals and better compliment other legislative initiatives to achieve environmental justice, I have made a few key updates to this legislation in consultation with many stakeholders. Updates to this legislation include authorization of $1,000,000 annually for each established office of environmental justice in relevant agencies, as well as reporting requirements to increase the effectiveness of federal agency implementation and ensure proper Congressional oversight. This legislation has also been updated to refine criteria for the development of community technology centers, which will increase the accessibility of information about environmental hazards in many communities.
For over a decade, agencies have been mandated to examine the impact of their policies on the environmental health of minority and low- income communities. Once we give those mandates true legal standing, we will be able to turn those mandates into action that directly serves our communities. We must legislate accountability and conscience in our permitting processes and environmental action to reduce the burden on low-income populations and communities of color. I am confident that the provisions of the Environmental Justice Access and Implementation Act will do just that.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I encourage my colleagues to support this necessary legislation and look forward to its expedient passage.
