April 22, 2019

CHC Chairman Castro Statement on Earth Day

Climate Change and Pollution Disproportionately Impact Hispanic Communities

WASHINGTON— Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49), Chairman of the CHC Task Force on Environment, Public Lands, and Water, and member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, honored Earth Day.

“As we mark this Earth Day, I am hopeful of a better future for our children. While the Trump Administration has abdicated our global leadership on climate issues and rolled back critical environmental protections, local leaders and everyday Americans are doing their part to fight climate change and protect our land and water. Hispanic families and communities of color – who are disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change – are working to combat environmental injustice and ensure their children can live healthy lives away from pollution,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Hispanic Caucus. “The time to act is now. We must invest in an Infrastructure of Opportunity for our children to succeed. That includes healthy and safe communities, clean air and water, and a sustainable environment for them to thrive in. Congress must work to ensure the best possible future for our children. I hope all Americans will do their part today and recommit to changing their everyday actions to ensure a clean Earth for future generations.”

“On Earth Day and every day we must remember that protecting our planet is particularly important for communities of color, which are disproportionately affected by pollution and our changing climate. Through my efforts as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s Environmental Task Force, I pledge to work with communities of color as we fight to protect our nation’s air, water, wildlife, and climate,” said Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49), who also serves as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. “I will keep environmental justice at the forefront as the Democratic Congress moves forward with plans to reign in emissions and adapt to the worst climate impacts.”

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.