[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT OF 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today and introduce the 
Environmental Justice Act of 2016.
  Twenty-four years ago, I first introduced the Environmental Justice 
Act of 1992, with my good friend and former colleague Senator Al Gore. 
After introducing our bill, we worked tirelessly to advance many of the 
policies proposed in our legislation. On February 11, 1994, President 
Clinton signed Executive Order 12898, ``Federal Actions to Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations''. This historic Executive Order established the federal 
infrastructure to identify and address environmental risks--especially 
in minority and low-income communities that were often overlooked and 
underserved.
  At that time, Senator Gore and I believed that every person has the 
right to safe water and clean air. We believed children and parents in 
every community deserve access to green public spaces. Since then many 
of the ideas that we proposed in our 1992 bill have been adopted by the 
EPA. For example, resources like EJSCREEN, help anyone in the country 
find a report on the quality of their neighborhood's water and air.
  Mr. Speaker, there is still much work to be done. The threats and 
needs are changing, but the urgency of and my commitment to this 
important and evolving challenge remain the same. In Georgia's 5th 
Congressional District and across the country, many people find that 
even when a serious environmental problem is discovered, it is 
difficult for them to take action. This bill responds to this grave 
reality and makes progress in the fight for every person to have equal 
access to a healthy environment.
  The Environmental Justice Act of 2016 will create a tax incentive for 
501(c)(3) organizations, like colleges and universities, to devote 
staff and resources to the hard work of environmental justice. This 
bill is intended to encourage scientists, activists, and organizers to 
invest their talents into ensuring that existing environmental 
protections are improved and enforced in every community. People must 
know their rights and the tools that are available to them. This bill 
will not only advance the conversation but also invest in the effort.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that we can come together to address this 
important national issue. We cannot ignore the public health and safety 
of our communities. We cannot cut corners at the expense of our friends 
and neighbors. We must fully respect the life and dignity of each and 
every person, and uphold their right to live, learn, and work in a 
clean and safe environment.
  We must cherish this Earth; for it is the only home we will likely 
ever know. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in supporting 
this common-sense legislation.

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