Sierra Club Applauds EPA Actions to Protect Communities Disproportionately Affected by Pollution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced a series of actions addressing issues faced by communities disproportionately effected by pollution. Driven by feedback received from activists he met with on the Journey to Justice tour, these actions include science-driven policy changes, increased enforcement, and efforts to improve air monitoring in pollution hotspots. 

The Sierra Club has been a part of a strong collaborative with environmental justice leaders at the federal level called the Equitable and Just National Climate Forum (EJNCF) and together we will continue to push the Biden Administration to provide the resources necessary to follow through on their commitments to environmental justice.  

In response, Sierra Club Gulf Coast Organizer Bryan Parras released the following statement:

“The EPA has always held the ability to enact these policies and changes, but the Administrator’s Journey to Justice tour reveals the power of community organizing in places most impacted by toxic pollution. 

Everyone should have clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, safe homes and healthy communities, no matter our race, age, identity, income, or zip code. Communities historically and disproportionately impacted by pollution have suffered for far too long from a lack of these basic rights and an absence of accountability. 

We applaud the Administrator’s efforts to be more responsive to local environmental justice communities in the Gulf Coast and look forward to helping support our local partners in its ongoing implementation.”