Need for Increased Representation of Black and Brown Politicians in Congress
The 117th Congress, marked by its diversity and commitment to justice, is poised to address the pressing climate crisis with a focus on equity. President Joe Biden, alongside the new Senate, is expected to pass bills such as the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, benefiting Indigenous communities directly.
Biden has pledged to center justice and equity throughout the climate crisis legislation. This commitment is echoed in the actions of environmental leaders in Congress, as identified by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV). These leaders have demonstrated their dedication by supporting key bills aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions, fostering a just clean energy economy, and advocating for government investments in clean energy infrastructure and pollution reduction.
The LCV's efforts extend beyond Capitol Hill, focusing on electing candidates who align with aggressive climate policies and holding elected officials accountable for their climate votes. Notable legislative achievements include the Clean School Bus Act, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in communities of color, which was led by Senator Kamala Harris and Rep. Jahana Hayes in 2019.
The 117th Congress, with its diverse representation, has seen the rise of Black and brown leaders at the forefront of the climate revolution. Congressman Donald McEachin and Chair Raúl Grijalva introduced the Environmental Justice for All Act in February 2020, a testament to this shift.
Moreover, members of the Tri-Caucus, which includes the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have been at the helm of climate and environmental justice initiatives. The LCV recently published a report showcasing the Tri-Caucus's role in introducing, leading, and supporting bills that centre climate and environmental justice.
The success of these initiatives, however, depends on the actions of the GOP and the maintenance of the filibuster by Democrats. As the climate crisis continues to threaten lives and culture, it is up to our elected officials to take decisive action.
Congressman McEachin, expressing optimism, has stated his commitment to championing a sustainable future for all in the U.S. House of Representatives. Notable figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, collectively known as the 'Squad', are also advocating for climate justice. In August 2020, Ocasio-Cortez and Vice President Harris introduced the Climate Equity Act, further demonstrating the commitment to a sustainable and equitable future.
As the 117th Congress embarks on this critical mission, it is clear that the climate revolution is in motion, with Black and brown leaders expected to lead the charge.
- The 117th Congress, a community characterized by diversity and justice, is preparing to tackle the pressing climate crisis, with a focus on equity.
- President Biden, alongside the new Senate, is expected to pass acts like the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, benefiting Indigenous communities directly.
- Biden has pledged to center justice and equity throughout the climate crisis legislation, a commitment mirrored in the actions of environmental leaders in Congress, as identified by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV).
- These leaders have demonstrated their dedication by supporting key bills aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering an equitable clean energy economy, and advocating for government investments in clean energy infrastructure and pollution reduction.
- The LCV's efforts encompass electing candidates who support aggressive climate policies and holding elected officials accountable for their climate votes, such as the Clean School Bus Act, led by Senator Kamala Harris and Rep. Jahana Hayes in 2019.
- The 117th Congress has seen the rise of Black and brown leaders at the forefront of the climate revolution, including Congressman Donald McEachin and Chair Raúl Grijalva, who introduced the Environmental Justice for All Act in February 2020.
- The Tri-Caucus, which includes the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has been at the helm of climate and environmental justice initiatives, as showcased in a recent LCV report.
- The success of these initiatives depends on the actions of the GOP and the maintenance of the filibuster by Democrats, as the climate crisis continues to pose a threat to lives, culture, and environmental justice, necessitating decisive action from our elected officials in science, finance, politics, and general news.
