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The Environment
The Environment
As citizens of the world, we must protect our planet from the physical, economic, and public health effects of climate change while also providing pathways to economic prosperity.
Why It Matters
The preservation of the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the earth’s ecosystem is essential for the maximum protection of public health and the environment. The interrelationships of air, water, and land resources should be recognized in designing environmental safeguards. The federal government should have a major role in setting standards for environmental protection and pollution control.
What We're Doing
Since the 1960s, we have been at the forefront of efforts to protect air, land, and water resources. Our approach to environmental protection and pollution control is one of problem-solving. The League’s environmental goals aim to prevent ecological degradation and to reduce and control pollutants before they go down the sewer, up the chimney or into the landfill. We support vigorous enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for states and localities that do not comply with federal standards as well as substantial fines for noncompliance.
In 2023, we endorsed the Children's Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution, which recognizes the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children and the need for a national, science-based climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets and stabilize the climate system.
LWVUS sent a memo to members of Congress urging them to support S. Con. Res. 13/H. Con. Res. 56. This concurrent resolution recognizes the disproportionate impact of the human-caused climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children in the US and acknowledges the need for the executive branch to develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan.
LWVUS joined 60 partnering organizations in a letter to members of Congress in opposition to S.J. Res 31/H.J. Res 69. This resolution would roll back EPA's Good Neighbor Plan.
Over one-third of the food produced in the US is never consumed — it is wasted. Food waste means all resources to grow the food are also wasted — energy, labor, water, and fertilizers. The energy loss alone is enough to power 50 million homes annually.
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