Date: 2013-07-09
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I. too. want to add my appreciation to the committees work. Its tough work. Its important work because this is how we serve the American people. I ask my colleagues to discuss with meor follow my discussion on the importance of the amendment that I offer because it is an amendment that takes its funding from a source of funding that has been discussed previously. and that is the Atomic Energy Defense Activities. National Nuclear Security Administration. But it does take these moneys and it uses them in a very constructive manner. It is moneys to maintain for environmental justice that go to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. minorityserving institutions. tribal colleges. and other organizations. This is imperative in preserving sustainability and growth of a community and environment. Mr. Chairman. that is the intent. the simple intent. that alongside of the important work of this appropriation of the Energy and Water there is a constant need to be assured that our communities are protected. Let me cite just a few examples as we proceed. Many of us understand the recent tragedy that occurrednot in this country. but recently occurred in Canada where areas were wiped out. This is an important highlight for what environmental justice is all about. Many of us have heard in the years past of the Buffalo Creek disaster. This is what environmental justice does. it is to fund programs that are vital to ensuring that minority groups are not placed at a disadvantage when it comes to the environment and the continued preservation of their homes. But it goes further. It is underserved areas. It is as much important to preserve areas in Appalachia. in the Delta. in places where poor communities cannot. if you will. represent themselves. Through education about the importance of environmental sustainability. we can promote a broader understanding of science and our citizens can improve their surroundings. What better group than Historically Black Colleges. minorityserving institutions that include Hispanicserving institutions and tribal colleges. why are they the best to move in that direction? Primarily because they communicate with those underserved communities. Funds that would be awarded to this important cause would increase youth involvement in STEM fields and also promote clean energy. weatherization cleanup. and asset revitalization. These improvements will provide protection to our most vulnerable groups. Many people believe environmental justice has to do with lawsuits. It has to do with outreach and information. This is simply a small program that allows the Department of Energy to focus on this constituency and ensure the coverage and the protection. This program provides better access to technology for underserved communities. Together. the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture distributed access to information which generates a recognition of protecting the environment. Community leaders are able as well to participate in environmental justice. In our communities. in urban areas. theres a need for environmental justice. Again. what better institutions than those institutions that draw their population from the communities. that draw their population from the reservations or from the communities that our Native Americans are engaged in? So I ask my colleagues to look at this program. look at the. if you will. fiscal responsibility that Ive utilized in drawing from the program to invest in environmental justice. Its a fair way to give resources to these vital institutions that. to be frank with you. Mr. Chairman. they dont have the resources. but they do good work. Texas Southern University had an environmental justice clinic located in Houston in the 18th Congressional District. But let me be very clear. this is not an earmark. These are resources that can be used by the Department of Energy that will respond to this broad depth of universities. Historically Black Colleges. tribal institutions. minorityservingwhich include. of course. the Hispanicserving institutions. Let me quickly say that since 2002. the Tribal Energy Program has also funded 175 energy projects. But again. this is limited to environmental justice. I believe this is an effective utilization of these funds and would ask my colleagues to ensure that we have the funds to ensure the good work of these particular entities. Let me conclude by asking my colleagues to support the education of our young people in the environmental protection area that enhances the communities from which they have come. making America better. I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.