On the recordJuly 26, 2017
In these difficult times, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member, Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur of the subcommittee, for shepherding this legislation to the floor, and for their efforts, and the commitment that we all have to preserving America's great natural environment and resources so that they can serve and be enjoyed by generations to come. My amendment increases funding for the DOE departmental administration by $1 million, which should be used to enhance the Department's Environmental Justice program activities. The Environmental Justice program is an essential tool in the effort to improve the lives of low-income and minority communities, as well as the environment at large. Twenty years ago, this particular program was established directing Federal agencies to identify and address the disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their actions on minority and low-income populations. So we have engaged with Historically Black Colleges, minority-serving institutions, Tribal colleges, and other organizations to improve and develop the sustainability through developing young people and faculty to work on these important issues. The crisis in Flint, Michigan, teaches us how important it is that minority groups and low-income communities are not placed at a disadvantage when it comes to environmental threats and hazards like lead in drinking water or nesting areas for mosquitos carrying the Zika virus.…
