Congressman Ruiz introduces bill aimed at eliminating environmental injustice

Local Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz introduces landmark bill aimed at eliminating environmental injustice.

Ruiz made the announcement Tuesday morning alongside New Jersey Senator Cory Booker in Washington D.C.

The environmental justice act of 2017 will require federal agencies to strengthen legal protections against environmental injustice for communities of color, communities that are underserved as well as indigenous communities.

“This legislation gives voice to the voiceless. It strengthens protections for vulnerable populations, gives impacted communities the ability to hold big corporations and government accountable, and provides the funds needed to mitigate and prevent future instances of environmental injustice,” Ruiz said.

The goal of the bill is to limit or eliminate environmental and public health threats to the most vulnerable communities.