Harris could expand environmental justice efforts as president

Vice President Kamala Harris aims to amplify environmental justice initiatives if she becomes president, building on the Biden administration's legacy of supporting marginalized communities impacted by pollution.

Kevin Bogardus reports for E&E News.

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In short:

• Harris has a history of environmental justice work, creating one of the first environmental justice units as San Francisco’s district attorney.
• Advocates see her presidential campaign as an opportunity to strengthen and expand efforts to support communities of color and low-income families.
• Republican critics, including Trump, argue her policies will harm American workers and favor international interests over domestic benefits.

Key quote:

“I think she can play that role in moving climate justice, energy justice and environmental justice, in terms of that global leadership in this area,”

— Robert Bullard, professor of urban planning and environmental policy at Texas Southern University

Why this matters:

Vice President Kamala Harris is setting the stage for a major push on environmental justice, promising to expand on President Biden’s initiatives to help communities hit hardest by pollution. Read more: Jalonne White-Newsome on the Biden administration’s push for environmental justice.