Environmental Organizations Support the For the People Act

On behalf of our millions of members and supporters, we write to express our support for the For the People Act (H.R. 1), which would expand and protect the public’s access to fair elections and rein in the destructive influence money plays in political decision-making. It would also ensure that our democracy works for everyone, especially communities of color who historically carry the heaviest burden of pollution and voter suppression.

The 2020 election underscored the urgent need for transformational democracy reform. People across our country experienced unprecedented voter suppression, including historic efforts to drown out their voices. These attacks continue to disproportionately harm the most vulnerable communities in our country, especially Black and Brown communities who endure the brunt of pollution and the effects of climate change. The systemic racism rooted in voter suppression is also central to the disproportionate environmental harms faced by communities of color. Strengthening our democracy and returning power to the people are essential to ensuring we act on the critical issues putting the health of our communities at risk.

These past few years have also made it clear that our community cannot effectively tackle the critical environmental issues our nation faces — like combating the climate crisis, advancing environmental justice, and protecting our air, lands, waters, biodiversity, wildlife, and oceans —  without fixing our broken system that provides disproportionate access and power to the wealthy. The broken status quo rewards special interests instead of the public and lets them push their toxic agenda in Congress while workers and families pay the price. 

The time has come for bold, ambitious reforms such as those proposed in the For The People Act (H.R. 1) introduced by Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Now is the time to fix our unfair and inequitable political system. Now is the time to strengthen our democracy, so it serves all the people. 

We urge you to support H.R. 1, the For the People Act, to fortify a democracy for, and by, the people, so that we can make climate progress, protect the environment and advance justice for all.

Signatories:

Clean Air Moms Action

Clean Water Action

Defend Our Future

Earthjustice

EDF Action

League of Conservation Voters

National Wildlife Federation

Natural Resources Defense Council

Sierra Club  

The Wilderness Society