Peak & Prairie
Rocky
Mountain Chapter's
Online Newsletter
June / July 1999
Environmental Justice Committee
Environmental Justice (EJ) is a community-based activism which empowers people to take control over environmental issues affecting their lives. Pollution prevention should become everyone’s priority because it helps put an end to environmental problems before they are even created, and it benefits all people.
The EJ Committee has two functions within the Rocky Mountain Chapter of The Sierra Club: First, we identify issues that disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Industry has a history of locating hazardous facilities within such communities because they assume that these residents lack the political clout to fight back. The EJ Committee works to educate our members and the public and to lend support to affected individuals and communities. To these ends, we network with local EJ organizations, such as COPEEN (Colorado People’s Environmental and Economic Network) or La Sierra Foundation and assist with lobbying and litigation.
Second, the EJ Committee acts as a watchdog for other Rocky Mountain Chapter committees. Because the Sierra Club is a grassroots volunteer organization, the EJ Committee attempts to keep communication channels open with all its members and with our community.
Current Efforts/Aspirations
Comprehensive review of zoning ordinances regarding the environmental impact of proposed facilities.
Helping to develop scientifically sound data on the environmental risks faced by communities of color and low income neighborhoods.
How to get involved:
Please call the Rocky Mountain Chapter when you see issues that may impact under-represented communities.
Help the Rocky Mountain Chapter network by identifying other local issue groups.
Write letters to the editor and legislators.
Help call activists.
June 1999 Online Newsletter - Peak & Prairie Home Page - Rocky Mountain Chapter Home Page