On the recordJuly 20, 2023
I introduced the Cumulative Impacts Act to protect frontline communities by requiring the EPA to consider cumulative impacts of pollution and deny permits unless they can demonstrate that no harm will be done to the community, especially public health. It is ridiculous that our current permitting processes do not account for all nearby sources of pollution. From southwest Detroit to Dearborn's South End, which is home to an extreme concentration of corporate polluters, and sits directly across the road from schools, homes, and playgrounds. Our kids are being taught that this is normal. It is not normal, Mr. Speaker. From 48217 to Poletown and Beniteau and the east side of Detroit, our neighbors across Detroit are forced to breathe emissions from dozens of corporate polluters like Marathon Oil, U.S. Ecology, Stellantis, Cleveland Cliffs, and so much more, all of whom routinely violate their permits because it is cheaper than following the law. Where pollution occurs is a policy choice, Mr. Speaker. It is environmental racism. Forcing regulators to analyze the cumulative impacts of pollution and deny permits for facilities that endanger public health would be a revolutionary, transformative change for our neighbors who just want to breathe clean air. ____________________
