On March 25, Virginia Organizing leaders and partners from other environmental justice organizations discussed proposed legislation in Congress and issues their communities face.

Leaders spoke about the pollution and violation of rights their communities are experiencing, from flooding in Norfolk to the lack of green space in Richmond, and the devastation of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Southwest.

Rep. McEachin spoke about his Environmental Justice for All Act and the creation of better protections for communities of color he hopes to pass this year. “You cannot address the climate crisis without addressing environmental justice issues,” he said. 

88 people participated in the meeting. We felt hopeful and energized by the powerful voices of the directly affected people who spoke and by Rep. McEachin’s inspiring ideas.

Does your representative support Environmental Justice? Contact them and find out! The Congressional switchboard is 202-224-3121.