Rep. Lowenthal Slams Trump Administration Move to Weaken National Environmental Policy Act

WASHINGTON, July 16 -- Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-California, issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration rule change announced weakening the National Environmental Policy Act:

"For more than 50 years, NEPA has protected public health, the environment, and our communities. It has served as a critical link between the public and the federal government, and it has enabled better public policy.

"By gutting NEPA, the Trump Administration has just cut one of the few tools that communities, particularly communities of color, can use to make their voices heard. My own district has seen the positive impacts of NEPA on the lives of residents.

"The 47th Congressional District includes communities of color bordering the busiest port complex in the nation, where, residents historically suffered from very high rates of asthma, cancer and other health issues.

"Through NEPA, these communities were able to secure dramatic cuts in emissions and particulate pollution from port and goods movement operations. While there is still more to be done for these communities, NEPA has proven to be an effective tool. Trump's action today is bad for the environment, is bad for public health, and leaves communities crying out for environmental justice much more vulnerable."