Testimony of Matt Gravatt
Sierra Club District of Columbia Chapter
Committee on Transportation and the Environment
Hearing on the Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023
Monday, March 18, 2024
Thank you for your time today and for the opportunity to offer testimony in support of the Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023 (B25-0564).
My name is Matt Gravatt. I am the Chair of the Sierra Club District of Columbia Chapter. Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. The DC chapter has about 3,000 dues-paying members and many thousands of supporters in DC.
Today, we express our support for the Environmental Justice Amendment Act, and urge this Committee to continue to strengthen this legislation.
This landmark bill aims to safeguard the health and environment of District residents from the combined, or cumulative, health effects of pollution, an ongoing and historical problem disproportionately affecting Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. The continued operation of facilities like the National Engineering Products (NEP) plant in Ward 5 exemplifies the neglect and harms that many of these communities face, enduring pollution from multiple sources such as traffic, waste facilities, and industrial operations. This bill represents a pivotal step toward ending these injustices by establishing stringent criteria for the construction, expansion, or re-permitting of polluting facilities in overburdened neighborhoods specifically.
The necessity of this bill is underscored by the environmental and public health disparities evident in Wards 5, 7, and 8, areas plagued by environmental racism and the legacy of discriminatory policies. Residents in these wards face increased exposure to air pollution, a lack of green spaces, increased exposure to urban heat islands, and bear the brunt of climate impacts which can lead to higher rates of pollution-related health issues. The cumulative impacts bill seeks to rectify these wrongs through a comprehensive approach that includes the implementation of Cumulative Impact Statements (CIS), demanding transparency and community engagement in environmental decision-making.
The introduction of CIS under this bill is a game-changer and a necessary first step to reverse this historical harm. It requires that any new project in overburdened communities undergo a thorough analysis of its cumulative environmental and health impacts. This ensures that the historical and ongoing burden of pollution is fully considered before any new permits are granted. Moreover, the bill mandates regular oversight and the potential for penalties for non-compliance, reinforcing the accountability of polluting industries.
Our support for the Environmental Justice Amendment Act is bolstered by successful precedents in states like New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York. These jurisdictions have demonstrated the effectiveness of cumulative impacts legislation in protecting vulnerable communities and providing a framework for sustainable development. We believe there are lessons to be learned from these states in designing and implementing cumulative impacts legislation.
Implementing this bill will not only advance environmental justice but also has potential to be cost-effective for the District. The bill leverages existing processes and staff for its implementation, with the primary responsibility currently resting with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Moreover, the bill is designed to generate revenue through fees, fines for non-compliance, and potential federal funding, allowing for additional staffing for DOEE or other agencies as needed.
In conclusion, the Sierra Club strongly urges members of this Committee and the full Council to support the Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023–with the understanding that further clarity is needed in areas such as funding, agency oversight and cumulative impact assessments.
Through this bill, the District has the opportunity to lead by example, championing a future where all District residents can live in a healthy and equitable environment. Thank you for considering testimony from the DC Sierra Club, and for your commitment to environmental justice and protecting our most vulnerable communities and neighbors.