[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 215 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  IN RECOGNITION OF MICHELLE MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2021

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle 
Martinez, Detroit resident and environmental justice warrior from 
Michigan's 13th District Strong as she departs as executive director 
from the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.
  For many years, Michelle has been a pillar of our community, 
advocating for clean air and water, and fighting the environmental 
racism that hurts our neighbors' quality of life. Michelle has drawn 
inspiration to pursue this work from her travels, studies, and the 
community where she lives. She has worked tirelessly for various 
organizations over the past fifteen years and has never wavered in 
seeking justice for the people who live with the effects of pollution.
  I worked closely with Michelle on a number of initiatives when I 
served in the Michigan State Legislature and have continued our 
relationship through my time in Congress, and it has been amazing to 
see her grow as an advocate and leader. Whether it's fighting to route 
truck traffic and diesel emissions away from residential neighborhoods 
or helping to bring national attention to adverse health effects in 
Michigan's most polluted neighborhood, Michelle has led the way in 
finding solutions. She always taken a bold approach to making 
transformative change for our communities and never shies away from a 
challenge. Michelle is a shining example of what it means to speak 
truth to power, and we are so fortunate to have her in our lives.
  Please join me in recognizing Michelle Martinez's outstanding 
contributions to the communities of Michigan's 13th Congressional 
District as we wish her well on her next venture.

                          ____________________