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American Flag Hanging Outside of the White House
Press Statement April 24, 2023

NAACP Supports Creation of New Office of Environmental Justice

American Flag Hanging Outside of the White House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2023

Contact: Jonah Bryson, jbryson@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON — Recently, President Biden signed an executive order creating the new White House Office of Environmental Justice to address long-standing environmental issues, including access to clean air and water for communities across the country. NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice Abre' Conner released the following statement, voicing hope and urging the Biden Administration to center the needs of Black communities in their new initiatives:

"From the creation of the Office for Environmental Justice, increased commitment for environmental justice support in the White House Council of Environmental Quality, and mandate that environmental justice be central to all federal agency work, the President's plan to confront the everyday reality of climate change is a necessary step to improving the lived experience and health of Black Americans across the country. For far too long, Black America has been subjected to the harmful effects of climate change, environmental degradation, and toxic pollution. Generation after generation, our communities are slowly poisoned by the very air we breathe and the water we drink. When climate disasters strike, we face the worst of the damage and receive the least assistance. 

Make no mistake - as climate change worsens, so will our experiences. The crises we've seen in Flint, Jackson, and Fort Lauderdale are not anomalies. The reality is, disaster could be coming to a Black community near you, and we must do everything in our power to mitigate the impacts. As the Office for Environmental Justice begins its crucial work, the NAACP urges President Biden to remember that every effort to improve access to clean water and air and to mitigate the effects of climate change must center the needs of Black Americans, build trust with the local communities and provide ongoing support to finally address longstanding structural disparities. "

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ABOUT NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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