WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The Environmental Justice for All Act, introduced by Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Corey Booker (D-N.J.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) charts a path for how the nation can transition to a clean-energy future while also investing in frontline communities. The legislation is a companion to the landmark bill introduced in the House of Representatives by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Representative A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.).

The National Wildlife Federation heralded the bill as an example of how to authentically engage communities of color and historically disadvantaged Americans.

“Communities of color battling the public health crisis are fighting against the same pollution that is driving the global climate crisis and infecting black and brown communities disproportionately from COVID-19,” said Mustafa Santiago Ali, the National Wildlife Federation's vice president for environmental justice, climate and community revitalization. “Our communities of color and lower-wealth communities are literally dying for a breath of fresh air while the planet barrels toward the point of no climate return. We have to address both crises before it’s too late. This critical legislation shows how we can address racial injustice, public health and economic problems facing frontline communities while also moving forward with a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels, where no one gets left behind. Together we can help our most vulnerable communities move from surviving to thriving.”

Ali testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on the challenges facing frontline communities and the principles that should guide the transition to a “100 percent clean economy.”