Brenda Lawrence on Environment

Flint water crisis is example of environmental injustice

A: The State of Michigan demonstrated repeated failures on every level in response to the Flint water crisis, and unfortunately, continue to do so. The Governor failed to act when he was made aware of the situation and has continued to fail to lead in resolving the crisis. Flint continues to have unsafe water. The situation is a clear example of environmental injustice. It also demonstrated the ill-conceived concept of Emergency Financial Managers, and what the human cost can be when purporting to govern by spreadsheet.

Q: Should Congress provide funding to help Flint?

A: Unfortunately, the federal government involvement in the initial stages which was to oversee and consult with MDEQ was unacceptable as well. When we are interpreting regulations for action or inaction and not taking into consideration the consequences to human life we are failing.

Protect the Great Lakes, and clean air

• We must protect our Great Lakes.
• Clean air is important for economic growth and good health.
• A clean environment promotes community pride and good public health.
• Trash on the streets is not acceptable.

Endorsed Endorsed by LCV; supports conservation efforts.

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is a national non-profit organization that works to turn environmental values into national priorities.

Require reporting lead in drinking water to the public.

Congressional Summary:

• The EPA Administrator shall, in collaboration with operators of public water systems, establish a strategic plan for outreach, education, technical assistance, and risk communication to populations affected by lead in a public water system.
• Each operator of a public water system shall identify and provide notice to persons who may be affected by lead contamination of their drinking water, and corrosivity of the water supply sufficient to cause leaching of lead
• In making information available to the public, the Administrator shall target groups within the general population that may be at greater risk than the general population of adverse health effects from exposure to lead in drinking water.