New Caucus Targets Environmental Justice in Arizona and Beyond
The formation of a new caucus by Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, alongside her Democrat colleagues, marks a significant step in tackling environmental pollution in affected communities. This initiative, named the Environmental Justice Caucus, aims to offer a collaborative platform for lawmakers, local leaders, and experts to push forward vital environmental justice legislation.
Joining Grijalva in this endeavor are Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Summer Lee. “Representative Lee and Representative Tlaib and I represent areas in our nation that have major pollution and cleanup and the polluters weren’t held accountable, and rarely are,” Grijalva stated.
Grijalva’s personal connection to the issue is evident, as she grew up in Tucson’s south side, an area designated as an EPA superfund site in the 1980s. The contamination involved a solvent called TCE, used at nearby military installations, which infiltrated the water supply, leading to cancer and other health issues.
This caucus will not only work with community advocates but also engage tribal leaders, building on legislation introduced by Grijalva’s late father, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, in 2023. This legislation, known as the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act, sought to create frameworks and programs to mitigate environmental damage caused by pollution.
Despite the introduction of this bill in both the House and the Senate, it did not secure passage. Grijalva noted the challenges faced under the current administration, highlighting, “Especially under this administration with the gutting of so many departments — NEPA — federal policies, all oversight — it’s sort of been thrown out the window.”
The new caucus aims to reignite efforts to hold polluters accountable and restore oversight to protect communities from environmental harm. For more information on the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act, visit the legislation page.
