Houses Passes the Espaillat Amendment Justice to Ensure the Inclusion of Communities of Color During Climate Debate

Today Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement upon passage of his amendment, the Espaillat Amendment on Environmental Justice to H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, which calls on the U.S. House to consider the impact of climate change on communities of color and disenfranchised communities. The Espaillat Amendment on Environmental Justice passed the U.S. House by a vote of 237 to 185. The Climate Action Now Act, subsequently passed in the House as well.

"Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by climate change, yet are the least responsible for contributing factors and stand to lose the most if we fail to address climate change in ways that present real comprehensive solutions," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "I am proud that my amendment passed today in the House, but our work is long from over in our efforts to find solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change and address the issues that communities of color face on a daily basis. In order to achieve this goal, these communities and the environmental injustices they face must be included in every piece of legislation on climate change that is considered by this House, in every major bill we pass, and at every hearing we hold. We must ensure that issues of environmental justice are addressed and that communities of color are included."

Click here to read the Espaillat Amendment on Environmental Justice in its entirety.

Watch video of Rep. Adriano Espaillat discuss his amendment on the U.S. House floor.

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