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Woman getting signatures for climate action

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.

Latest from the League

By putting a price on carbon emissions, we can encourage companies to reduce their emissions and use market forces to fight the biggest contributor to climate change.

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Earth Day is just one day each year, but we can work every day to protect our planet. Tell Congress to stand up for the planet and support the work of the EPA to fight climate change, protect public health and grow our economy!

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The League joined other concerned environmental partners in opposing a bill Representative Whitfield's Ratepayer Protection Act. This legislation would allow states to opt out of participating in the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan (CPP). The legislation also seeks to delay implementation of the CPP indefinitely until every polluter’s lawsuit has been litigated.

Letters /

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