In solidarity,
Debra Schrishuhn for the PDA National Team

Environmental Justice: Another Reason to Vote in the Midterms

Good news: On September 24, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that EPA is establishing a new national office to advance environmental justice and civil rights. The creation of the new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights delivers on President Biden’s commitment to elevate these critical issues to the highest levels of government, solidifying the agency’s commitment to delivering environmental justice and equity for all. Administrator Regan announced the creation of the new office alongside environmental justice and civil rights leaders in Warren County, North Carolina, the site of protests 40 years ago that launched the environmentaljustice movement.

Challenging news: A Republican majority in the U.S. House plans to investigate and impeach as many high-ranking Biden administration officials as they can, and certainly will not pass funding for a new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. A Republican Senate will make confirmation of dedicated and qualified public servants like Michael Regan nearly impossible over the next two years. The conservative super-majority on the U.S. Supreme Court is busily dismantling federal agencies and existing environmental regulations.

The lesson: Voting matters. Your vote matters. Your vote determines who sits at the table, who makes decisions on policy, and who sits on the courts that review and interpret legislation.

The action only you can take: Vote. Whether you vote early or on Election Day, whether you vote by mail or in person, be sure to vote, and vote for Democrats, who at least try to govern and address pressing issues.

But voting is not enough. Help get out the vote in your precinct, your community, your state. Support organizations, like PDA, to GOTV in critical House and Senate races across the country. Volunteer.Donate. Vote. Our collective success is up to you.