| |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
|
|
Guest Commentary: May 5, 2001
Environmental Issues Hit Close to Home
The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)
|
Often times, the stereotypical view of "environmentalism" conjures up images of worthy causes such as protecting a far off rain forest or finding a solution to global warming.
Environmental issues, however, also hit closer to home. A case in point is the negative environmental conditions that families in our urban areas endure. In metropolitan areas, the struggle for a quality life is too often a daily battle. Families are subjected to air pollution and live on contaminated land, children have no safe places to play and the only "parks" are paved basketball courts.
There are steps that can be taken to improve environmental aspects of our nation's urban landscapes.
First, we should increase funding for urban green spaces. Often times, park land is the first victim of economic progress in our cities, because it is argued that use of the land for development and job creation is more important. However, the value of parks cannot be underestimated.
Not only do they provide a habitat for various types of plant life, open spaces in urban areas are integral to building a sense of community and making a connection to nature for those who may not have the opportunity to take advantage of far away wilderness areas. In addition, parks can be used as an effective tool to reduce noise pollution and redirect traffic flow in residential areas.
Second, we should increase support for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s brownfields efforts to clean up inner city communities and revitalize industrially contaminated sites. These clean up efforts provide a great alternative to paving over unused urban spaces.
Not only does brownfield clean up increase the aesthetic value of former industrial properties; it addresses the serious health risks associated with allowing contaminated sites to go ignored and unused.
Lead-based paint in public schools is another environmental problem that has gone largely unattended. Chipped and deteriorated lead-based paint is one of the most serious health hazards facing young children in America. In fact, studies have shown that exposure to even small amounts of lead during the early years of life can retard growth and mental development and cause learning disabilities.
Unfortunately, the use of lead-based paint is more widespread than many realize. Although lead-based paint was outlawed in the 1970's, many of the nation's schools and childcare service centers are located in old buildings where this paint was used.
For instance, in my home state of California, it was found that 95 percent of elementary school buildings contain lead-based paint. The potential harm that lead-based paint in our schools can cause is an environmental problem that directly affects the well being of the most vulnerable in our communities. We must take steps to eliminate this prevalent threat to our children's health.
Congress has a responsibility to improve the environmental conditions of urban communities. The newly formed Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Livable Communities, of which I am Chair, is committed to advancing the measures mentioned above.
Working together with our Congressional colleagues, we can improve the quality of the environment and the quality of life in our nation's metropolitan areas.
 How to contact Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-California)
Reading a past guest commentary? Click here for the most current one.
|
|
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
