[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             INTRODUCTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 1999

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce 
the Environmental Justice Act. This legislation would help address the 
concerns of poor and minority communities throughout our nation who may 
be disproportionately exposed to incinerators, toxic waste dumps, and 
other forms of pollution.
  As many of you know, back in 1992, then Senator Al Gore and I 
introduced the first Environmental Justice Act. Even back then, we knew 
about the dangers of toxics and other forms of pollution. We heard the 
stories of Love Canal, Cancer Alley and Chicago's Toxic Donut. We knew 
that poor and minority families, and children in particular, were 
getting sick. Children were getting cancer. Parents were dying of rare 
diseases. Something was going on.
  The Environmental Justice Act seeks to establish the link between 
environmental pollution and the communities that were riddled with 
cancer and other diseases. This legislation also would provide help to 
these communities. It would restrict the siting of new polluting 
facilities and provide basic health services to residents.
  As I have always said, people have the right to know what is in the 
air they breathe, the water they drink, the food they eat. We have the 
right to know if the chemical plant down the street--or that 
incinerator around the corner--is poisoning our families. Each and 
every one of us has that right.
  And if that chemical plant, or incinerator, or toxic waste dump is 
killing our neighbors, our children, our communities--then it is time 
for the killing to stop. Protecting the health and well-being of our 
families is a matter of justice. It is a fundamental human right--just 
like freedom of speech--just like freedom of press--just like the right 
to vote.
  The Environmental Justice Act is an important step toward 
guaranteeing this right. I am hopeful that my colleagues will lend 
their support to this legislation and will help ensure that all 
Americans grow up in, and live in, a healthy environment.

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