Call for Increased Representation of African-American and Hispanic Leaders in Congress
In 2019, Senator Kamala Harris, alongside Rep. Jahana Hayes, led the charge for the Clean School Bus Act, marking a significant step towards environmental justice. This initiative was one of many climate-related bills introduced by members of the Tri-Caucus (Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus).
The report published by the League of Conservation Voters on Tuesday highlights the work of these members in introducing, leading, and supporting climate and environmental justice bills during the 116th Congress. While many bills were passed by the House, only a few made it through the Senate.
The 117th Congress, however, has seen a renewed commitment to addressing climate change, particularly from its members of colour. Rep. Donald McEachin expressed his anticipation for continuing the shared fight for bold, inclusive environmental justice solutions alongside the League of Conservation Voters in the 117th Congress.
In 2020, McEachin and Chair Raúl Grijalva introduced the Environmental Justice for All Act, aiming to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities. The success of these efforts depends on factors such as the actions of the GOP and the preservation of the filibuster by Democrats.
The climate revolution is in motion, with Black and brown leaders expected to write and pass legislation in Congress this year. Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Representative Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) are notable advocates for policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and have expressed strong commitments to advancing an equitable vision that intersects with environmental justice for communities of colour.
Other leaders of colour such as Representative Sara Jacobs (CA-51) are active members of Congress, though specific climate bills she has introduced or supported are not detailed in the current data. Environmental advocacy groups like the League of Conservation Voters recognize members like Rep. John Michael Parker as key environmental champions, implying a growing coalition in Congress including leaders of colour supporting climate legislation.
On a legislative level, significant climate-related bills discussed in Congress around this time include the "Megabill," which addresses energy costs and promotes clean energy solutions like wind and solar, aiming to reduce reliance on coal and methane. Although specific congressional sponsors are not mentioned here, this legislation aligns with the priorities of environmental leaders of colour who emphasize equitable, clean energy transitions.
The passage of bills such as the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act could result in direct benefits to Indigenous peoples. The 116th Congress was the most diverse Congress ever, but the 117th Congress surpassed it in diversity.
Under President Joe Biden and the new Senate, the future of these bills may change. Biden has promised to address the climate crisis and center justice and equity throughout his administration. With a renewed focus on environmental justice, the climate revolution in motion is set to make significant strides in the years to come.
- The Clean School Bus Act, initiated by Senator Kamala Harris and Rep. Jahana Hayes in 2019, marked a significant step towards environmental justice, one of many climate-related bills introduced by the Tri-Caucus.
- The League of Conservation Voters published a report in 2021, showcasing the climate and environmental justice bills championed by Congress members during the 116th Congress.
- Representative Donald McEachin anticipates continuing the shared fight for environmental justice solutions alongside the League of Conservation Voters in the 117th Congress.
- In 2020, McEachin and Chair Raúl Grijalva introduced the Environmental Justice for All Act, aiming to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Jonathan Jackson have expressed strong commitments to advancing an equitable vision for communities of color that intersects with environmental justice.
- The League of Conservation Voters recognizes Rep. John Michael Parker as a key environmental champion, indicating a growing coalition in Congress that supports climate legislation.
- The "Megabill" addresses energy costs and promotes clean energy solutions, aligning with the priorities of environmental leaders of color who emphasize equitable, clean energy transitions.
- The passage of bills like the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act and Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act could result in direct benefits for Indigenous peoples, with the 117th Congress surpassing the 116th Congress in diversity.
