Providing for Consideration of H.R. Investing in A New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, for too long, communities of color, Black and Brown communities, have suffered environmental injustice.

For too long, these same communities have been on the front lines of environmental air pollution that has caused higher rates of cancer and asthma and, with COVID-19, more deaths. For too long, these communities have literally said: I can't breathe.

My very own district is surrounded by three freeways and the Port of Los Angeles. Ports are critical jobs. They provide movement of goods. They are a huge economic engine. But they also are the cause of air pollution on the docks, not to mention the truck traffic that goes to and from ports.

Today, I am proud to say that my bill, the Climate Smart Ports Act, is included in this infrastructure package. It will make a significant difference to air quality in my district and for the 40 percent of Americans who live near a port.

This bill will invest billions in zero-emission technology at ports and clean trucks that go to and from ports. That is right, zero emissions.

Bottom line is it will save lives, create jobs, and fight the climate crisis. Today I ask you to join me in voting for H.R. 2: to invest in our Nation's infrastructure, to invest in greening our ports, to invest in fighting the climate crisis, and to invest in improving air quality for the people.

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