Statement: “We’re the ones we’ve been waiting on,” a recap of our Clean Economy and Justice Roundtable
Thursday, March 25, 2021 – Leaders from across the nation joined Thursday evening’s Clean Energy Economy and Justice Roundtable, calling for policy changes that would center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, while holding the administration accountable to implement these changes.
The roundtable, hosted by Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) in collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation, follows six that were held in 2020 by the National Wildlife Federation to conceptualize solutions addressing climate change, health inequities, land use, water security, education, and civic engagement. The solutions presented in the roundtables have been included in policy recommendations to address the most pressing issues impacting frontline communities.
Historically, frontline communities have been impacted by environmental injustice including the siting of polluting facilities in predominantly BIPOC neighborhoods, contamination of water, soil, and air, and a lack of quality healthcare.
Dr. Santiago Mustafa Ali moderated Thursday evening’s conversation, where climate leaders such as former Utah State Representative and HECHO Advisory Board member, Rebecca Chavez-Houck; President and CEO of Eastside Community Network, Donna Davidson; and Assistant Professor of University of Michigan School for Environment & Sustainability, Doctor Tony Reames, spoke out regarding barriers in the clean energy economy, metrics and tools to use to make sure the administration is held accountable, and accessible infrastructure programming.
“We have an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that any job creation initiatives stemming out of the COVID-19 unemployment crisis, have equitable benefits for communities across our nation,” said Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). “The perspectives shared during this convening are essential to strengthen and connect any government investment and recovery efforts to Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community knowledge and experience.”
Former Utah State Representative and HECHO Advisory Board Member spoke about the importance of changing predominant industry narratives by dismantling the systems that uphold them.
“As frontline communities continue to experience severe impacts as a result of our rapidly changing climate, we must work towards an equitable framework for Black, Indigenous, and people of color to have advanced opportunities for capital and technical assistance projects where they may have the space and support to innovate,” said Rebecca Chavez-Houck, advisory board member of HECHO. “This starts with ensuring that BIPOC are public administrators and decision makers. Additionally, expanding educational opportunities for BIPOC students to explore career choices that will lead to emerging markets and natural sciences is essential for a safe and sustainable future.”
Ideas and recommendations gathered during the roundtables will become part of a larger report shared with members of Congress and distributed to local state houses and local industries. A hearing will be taking place on Capitol Hill, where the information from the roundtables will be shared as part of the official record.