ACTION ALERT: Environmental Justice NOW
Tell lawmakers vote YES and move the HEAL Act SB 5141 to the House Floor for a vote.
The HEAL Act recognizes that all voices from the BIPOC community need to be included when creating environmental policies and impacts from pollution.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color stand to benefit the least and suffer the most from the climate crisis. That needs to change. We demand a seat at the table for those most impacted by the emergency that is our changing climate.
TELL. LAMAKERS. NOW: Supporting the whole of Black Life means addressing the history of environmental racism that exists in Washington. Send SB 5141 to the floor in the House.
About the Bill
The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act (SB 5141):
Defines “environmental justice” in state law.
Recognizes that all voices from the BIPOC community need to be included when agencies are considering environmental policies and impacts from pollution.
Ensures state agencies are coordinating and reaching out to our communities.
Builds a database to look at pollution and identify which communities are most impacted so we can respond accordingly.
Take Action Now
Send a message to the Democratic House Leadership to send SB 5141 to the House floor.
Click to email lawmakers now >>
Links above not working for you? Here is a sample message you can use. Email to laurie.jinkins@leg.wa.gov, pat.sullivan@leg.wa.gov, lillian.ortiz-self@leg.wa.gov, monica.stonier@leg.wa.gov, marcus.riccelli@leg.wa.gov, larry.springer@leg.wa.gov
Dear House Democratic Leaders:
Supporting the whole of Black Life means addressing the history of environmental racism that exists in Washington.
A recent study found that 1 in 10 deaths in the US is caused by burning fossil fuels. The study also noted BIPOC and low-income communities face more significant environmental harms from pollution than their white and wealthier counterparts.
Black and Latinx kids are at increased risk of learning disabilities due to pollution and toxins near schools in their neighborhoods.
E2SSB 5141 recognizes that all voices from the BIPOC community need to be included when considering environmental policies and impacts from pollution. It does this by ensuring state agencies are coordinating and reaching out to our communities. It also starts to create a database showing pollution and identifying which communities are most impacted.
The benefits of this bill far outweigh the fiscal costs to the state. The state of Washington needs to address the climate and environmental justice crisis urgently.
We urge you to schedule E2SSB 5141 on the House floor for a vote because Black Lives Matter.
In solidarity with with Black Lives across Washington,
[Your Name]