Statement on Wednesday’s EPA announcements

Yesterday’s pronouncements by the EPA are a dangerous assault on the health of our children, our families and our environment. Generations of Americans fought for a federal government that protects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health of our environment. To be clear, the 31 proposed deregulations, including terminating the Environmental Justice and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion arms of the EPA, will deliver none of those things.

These decrees will not benefit the millions of Americans struggling with cancer and serious cardiac and respiratory diseases caused by their exposure to toxins released into our air and water by corporations. These proposed actions will not reduce the disastrous impacts of extreme heat, flooding, and drought that disproportionately affect low-income communities and people of color across the country. They serve only to magnify the devastating effects of climate change and industrial pollution on our communities and our economy, rolling back the progress fought for by our ancestors and threatening the well-being of future generations.

Despite yesterday’s decrees, the federal government cannot dismantle the movement for environmental justice. The EPA itself was born from the fight for justice. Current events simply renew our commitment to remain centered and strong in our work to dismantle racial and social injustice on behalf of our common waters.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.