On the murder of George Floyd and support of the protests

Black Lives Matter Mural On An Outdoor Wall

The murder of George Floyd and countless other African Americans at the hands of our own police forces is a reminder of the racism that permeates all aspects of daily life in America.

As an environmental and health advocacy organization, Clean Air Council is particularly aware that environmental health and safety have been neglected in too many African American neighborhoods. The continued siting of polluting sources in these communities is rampant, yet little is being done to address this threat to residents’ health and quality of life. The recent weakening of environmental protections at the federal level also disproportionately impacts low-income communities of color. There is much work to be done on all fronts in a system that has repeatedly failed communities of colors, and everyone has a role to play.

The Clean Air Council supports the outpouring of rage and grief and the calls for action that are represented in the protests taking place across the country and in our communities. We urge our supporters to do the same as we act collectively and individually to demand the systemic change needed to dismantle institutional racism. There is a power in our unified voices and in the frustration, rage, and pain they express. We urge the police and elected officials to support these protests and to stop attempting to silence these voices. Black lives matter.