Hilda L. Solis: “Today I rise to bring forward legislation that I want to introduce regarding the Lower Los Angeles River and the San…”

“Today I rise to bring forward legislation that I want to introduce regarding the Lower Los Angeles River and the San Gabriel River Watershed Study Act of 2001. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in the shadow of one of the largest landfills in the country, communities exposed to high levels of smog, and one of the largest Superfund sites in the region. All this has inspired my passion to preserve our remnants of open space. Today, children in my district are still living next to this landfill, and their playgrounds are often small concrete slabs with little green space. With this knowledge, today I introduce the Lower Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River Watershed Study Act of 2001. The bill will study the Lower Los Angeles River and the San Gabriel River and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains for potential inclusion in the National Parks Service system. The bill will direct the National Park Service to study the area and its natural, historic, scenic, recreational, and national significance. If deemed appropriate, I plan to introduce a bill that will officially designate the area. Thus, laying the groundwork for open space preservation, environmental revitalization, curbing urban sprawl, and giving communities of color the option of experiencing more than car horns and skyscrapers.”