Trump does not know what environmental injustice looks like

In last week’s presidential debate, when asked what he would say to families living near oil refineries and chemical plants, President Trump said , “I have not heard the numbers or the statistics that you’re saying, but they’re making a tremendous amount of money.” Based on this response, his record of cutting essential environmental protections and his seeming indifference to communities on the fencelines of polluting industries, Trump clearly does not understand the true costs of pollution. Last week’s presidential debate questions on race, public health and climate may have been separated into separate segments, but these issues are inextricably linked.

Whether it’s increased risks of cancer and higher health care costs, poor school performance or lower home values, communities in close proximity to our nation’s toxic waste and pollution have suffered for far too long. From Cancer Alley in Louisiana, to Houston’s East End and Detroit’s 48217 zip code, environmental justice communities throughout our nation deserve a president who understands why fighting for clean air and water for all communities is so important. One of the most significant costs of pollution are those borne by our nation’s school children. While schools face a number of challenges, from underpaid […]

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