WE ACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF A GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 29th, 2023 

Contact: Jama Joseph, jama.joseph@weact.org, (646) 951-1648 

 

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Congress has less than two days to reach a deal to avoid a shutdown of the federal government. Dana Johnson, Senior Director of Strategy and Federal Policy with WE ACT for Environmental Justice, raises concerns about what a government shutdown will mean for people living in an environmental justice community:

“First, we want to acknowledge the Senate for its work to reach a bipartisan short-term agreement. Our hope is that it addresses our need to protect millions of Americans from economic and environmental harm without compromising in a way that adversely impacts people or color and low income.

Second, a government shutdown is not an abstract threat. It’s an economic rupture that carries tangible and far-reaching implications for environmental justice that includes halting vital work to deliver once in a generation funding to disadvantaged communities through the Inflation Reduction Act stays on track; work to finalize proposals that improve outdoor air quality in our communities remain on track; financial benefits and wrap around services for under-resourced American continue without disruption; and enforcing environmental laws that address air, water and land pollution remain in effect. 

Finally, enough is enough. The American people deserve a budget that ensures the uninterrupted function of the government. This ping-ponging with American lives by House Republicans in an effort to create a humanitarian crisis cannot continue. Congress must follow the established channels for passing a spending bill that does not negotiate away the rights or well-being of any individual.”

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WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan membership-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Visit us at weact.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.