Detroit — Ebony Elmore’s path to environmental activism was shaped by a personal tragedy. Her father, a welder for 50 years, developed stage-four lung cancer from the fumes of the steel plant where he worked, despite never smoking.
At a recent environmental rally, Elmore shared her story and highlighted that many families have similar experiences. About 300 people gathered at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation to rally against proposed cuts to clean air and water programs.
“We can’t let corporations put our lives in danger,” Elmore stressed. “It’s time they know they’re the enemy.”
As the organizing manager for the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, Elmore encouraged everyone to ask hard questions of their local and federal officials. She emphasized the need to unite and fight for policies that safeguard our air and water.
While industries create jobs, Elmore pointed out that they also expose workers to harmful chemicals. “Some of these toxins are so complicated; I can’t even pronounce their names,” she explained. “They wind up on our skin and clothes.”
The event was organized by a coalition of environmental and community groups from various levels. Participants waved signs with phrases like “Make the Planet Great Again” and chanted slogans to show their resolve.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell spoke passionately about the urgency of tackling pressing issues such as climate change and pollution. “This isn’t just a partisan problem; it’s an American issue,” she noted, drawing applause from the crowd.
Dingell criticized the recent layoffs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and expressed concern over the influence of wealthy individuals on crucial funding decisions. She insisted that all children deserve clean air to breathe and vowed, “We will never poison another child again.”
Gabriela Santiago-Romero, a member of the Detroit City Council, encouraged attendees to stay united for the long haul. “We will be fighting these issues for our entire lives,” she stated, though she remained hopeful about the future of democracy.
Robin Michaels, a rally attendee, raised alarm over government tax cuts for polluting companies. “These cuts only weaken our ability to hold them accountable,” she warned. She rallied the crowd to make their voices heard and emphasized the importance of unity in fighting for a healthier environment.
Michaels also pointed out that extreme weather events, like hurricanes and floods, highlight the urgent need for action. “People will start believing what’s happening around them sooner or later,” she said.
The gathering underscored widespread concern about the Trump administration’s policies impacting environmental protections in Michigan. Many worry that cuts to the EPA and funding freezes for clean infrastructure will have serious repercussions for local projects.
Nicole Cantello, a union leader, predicted job losses that could diminish the EPA’s effectiveness in Michigan, which already faces challenges like wildfires and train derailments. Such setbacks create a difficult landscape for protecting health and the environment.
“We need to focus on our core mission: safeguarding human health and the environment,” said an EPA official, reflecting the administration’s shift in priorities. As the rally attendees closed in, the sense of urgency and determination to combat these issues was unmistakable.
Source link
Climate,Change,U.S.,Environmental,Protection,Agency,Detroit,News,-,Michigan,News,Lee,Zeldin,Elon,Musk,Donald,Trump,Joe,Biden,U.S.,Congress,Overall,Negative,Green,Living,\u0026,Environmental,Issues,Politics,Climate Change,U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,Detroit News – Michigan News,Lee Zeldin,Elon Musk,Donald Trump,Joe Biden,U.S. Congress,Overall Negative,Green Living \u0026 Environmental Issues,Politics
