McClellan Helps Lead Introduction of Landmark Environmental Justice Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced she is an original cosponsor of the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act. Led by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act is the most comprehensive federal environmental justice legislation to date.

Formerly known as the Environmental Justice for All Act, the legislation was carefully crafted and championed by Congressmen Grijalva and McEachin. Congresswoman McClellan succeeded the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin in Congress after his death in late November 2022.

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act and have the opportunity to build on the legacy of my late friend and former colleague,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. “Donald was a tireless advocate for marginalized and underrepresented communities, and the EJ for All Act was his top priority in Congress. Too many low-income and minority communities in our nation are exposed to environmental injustices, like increased air pollution, lead-ridden pipes, proximity to toxic waste sites, and more. Every American, regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status, has the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. I thank Ranking Member Grijalva and Congresswoman Lee for leading this charge, and I look forward to carrying on Donald’s EJ efforts in Congress.”

The Environmental Justice for All Act:

• Requires federal agencies to consider cumulative health impacts under the Clear Air Act and the Clean Water Act when making permitting decisions.
• Strengthens the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and provides a private right of action to citizens and organizations facing disparate impact discrimination.
• Creates a Federal Energy Transition Development Assistance Fund, paid for through new fees on oil, gas and coal companies, to support communities and workers as they transition away from greenhouse gas-dependent economies.
• Provides $75 million in annual grants for research and program development to reduce health disparities and improve public health in EJ communities.
• Requires Washington consults with environmental justice communities and partners to ensure tailored policy solutions can be implemented to address injustices.

For more information, visit Ranking Member Grijalva’s A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act landing page.

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