Environmental Justice

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have long been at the forefront of the Environmental Justice Movement, calling national attention to the disproportionate burden of pollution on the most vulnerable members of our society. Their public advocacy has included protesting the location of toxic waste sites in minority and low-income areas; calling for new and revised standards for clean air and water; promoting environmentally progressive energy policies; and ensuring equity in response to increasingly-frequent severe weather events. Their legislative efforts to bring attention to environmental injustices in Congress and to raise the level of awareness about the environment in their communities have brought about significant changes in environmental policy and oversight.

Working tirelessly to eradicate environmental racism and other injustices, the CBC promotes the fair treatment of low-income communities and people of color, especially in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental policies and programs. Since its inception, members have had consistently strong environmental voting records and held critical positions on environmental- and energy-related committees. Their continued participation and leadership ensures the voices of African Americans and other underrepresented groups will be present in environmental policy and decision-making.