Louis Stokes: “I rise in support of the Collins amendments. Mr. Chairman, although pollution affects all people, no matter where they…”

“I rise in support of the Collins amendments. Mr. Chairman, although pollution affects all people, no matter where they live, direct exposure to water pollutants and other environmental hazards are disproportionately distributed. Data now indicate that low-income, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to live in areas where they face environmental risk. However, a stronger data base is needed to better understand the problems, to identify solutions to those problems and evaluate the efficacy of programs that address the problems. This is why it is imperative that the Environmental Protection Agency collect and analyze data on sources of water pollution to which minorities and low-income populations are disproportionately exposed. For example there are clear situations where certain populations are exposed to higher levels of pollutants in waters. Thus it is essential that prior to the granting of discharge permits, the Environmental Protection Agency review the permit application and related elements to ensure that minority and low-income communities will not be adversely impacted. Recognizing that a number of factors might increase susceptibility to the effects of water pollutants, the environmental justice amendment calls for the development of water quality standards that take into consideration the variations in water usage among diverse segments of the population, including the high risk individuals such as pregnant women and children.”