Our Communities Deserve Clean Water & Clean Air

As our government continues to implement a lack-luster approach to climate change, we cannot ignore the importance of air and water quality. Air and water pollution are hurting communities around the country. Yet, the burden of pollution is not evenly shared.

Lower-income Americans and people of color are disproportionately impacted by the effects of pollution. A 2019 study showed that air pollution is disproportionately caused by white Americans' consumption habits but is disproportionately breathed by Black and Hispanic Americans. Moreover, drinking water systems that were in violation of clean water regulations were 40% more likely to occur in communities of color. Even when actions were taken to fix these issues, it took much longer for water systems in communities of color to meet legal standards.

We can't ignore the fact that people of color are disproportionately impacted by air pollution and harmful toxins in drinking water. We must tackle climate change head-on to reduce air pollution and make sure every American can breathe clean air.

We must restore, revitalize and modernize our water infrastructure to make sure that every American has clean water to drink from their taps at home, school and work. We must ensure that our water infrastructure can stand up to future impacts from climate change.

Are you worried about the quality of air and water in your community? Take our poll.