The Federal Legislature Needs More Representatives from the African American and Latino Communities
The 116th Congress marked a significant milestone in American politics, becoming the most diverse Congress ever – a title now held by the 117th Congress. This diversity was reflected in the efforts made to champion environmental justice and sustainability, particularly in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman McEachin, in his statement last year, acknowledged the great strides made in the House to champion a sustainable future for all. Notable initiatives included the introduction of the Environmental Justice for All Act by Rep. McEachin and Chair Raúl Grijalva in February 2020.
The success of these environmental justice initiatives, however, depends on the actions of the GOP and the preservation of the filibuster by Democrats. Bills such as the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, if passed, could result in direct benefits to Indigenous peoples.
The climate revolution is in motion, with Black and brown leaders expected to lead the legislation in Congress this year. Notable examples include the Clean School Bus Act, introduced in 2019 by Senator Harris and Rep. Jahana Hayes, aiming to address greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in communities of color.
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has been at the forefront of these efforts, publishing a report on Tuesday that highlights the engagement and leadership of environmental justice advocates of color. Whilst the report does not provide a specific list of environmental leaders of color in the U.S. Congress, it recognizes and supports figures like Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a climate champion and a leader in environmental advocacy.
The LCV's focus is on building a diverse and inclusive climate movement, emphasizing the importance of communities of color, Latinx, Indigenous peoples, and other historically impacted groups in driving climate justice and policy change. Their Chispa program specifically builds the power of Latinx and other communities of color for climate justice at local and state levels.
Other notable figures emerge in related contexts, such as Cynthia R. Harris, who advances tribal governance and environmental justice through her work at the National Congress of American Indians.
In summary, the 116th Congress made significant moves on climate change, with members of color, particularly Black and Latinx, playing a crucial role. The LCV report and associated materials recognize and support environmental leaders of color, but a comprehensive and current list can be found in the latest LCV Congressional Scorecard or their official communications.
President Biden, who has promised to address the climate crisis and center justice and equity throughout, is poised to continue this momentum in the 117th Congress. In August 2020, Ocasio-Cortez and now Vice President Kamala Harris introduced the Climate Equity Act, further demonstrating the commitment to environmental justice in the new Congress. The climate revolution is indeed in motion.
- The 116th Congress, known for its diversity, made significant strides in championing environmental justice and sustainability, notably in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Congressman McEachin acknowledged the great efforts in the House towards a sustainable future for all, with the Environmental Justice for All Act being one of the noteworthy initiatives.
- The success of these environmental justice initiatives depends on the actions of the GOP and the preservation of the filibuster by Democrats.
- The climate revolution is underway, with Black and brown leaders expected to lead the legislative efforts in Congress this year.
- The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has played a key role in these efforts, advocating for a diverse and inclusive climate movement that prioritizes communities of color.
- The LCV's Chispa program specifically builds the power of Latinx and other communities of color for climate justice at local and state levels.
- Cynthia R. Harris, who works at the National Congress of American Indians, advances tribal governance and environmental justice.
- President Biden, with a commitment to address the climate crisis and center justice and equity, is poised to continue this momentum in the 117th Congress, as demonstrated by the introduction of the Climate Equity Act.
