Jul 31, 2014 - For example, more than one third (38%) of U.S. Hispanics live in the Colorado River basinâa major river
Hispanic Access Foundation
July 31, 2014
The Honorable Gina McCarthy Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Dear Administrator McCarthy: The under-signed organizations express our strong support for EPA’s proposed rule on the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Protecting water supplies from pollution is critical to the health of Latino families, as well as our economy and environment. A number of the organizations listed below are also members of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition composed of the leading national Latino mainstream and civil rights organizations in the country. These organizations, together with our colleagues who head Latino environmental organizations, are partnering We, the undersigned, strongly to underscore and support the now proven fact that Hispanic Americans – based on numerous recent pollsurge the Environmental -strongly support the Waters of the United States Protection Agency to implement proposed rule and related actions. We, the undersigned, strongly urge the Environmental Protection Agency to implement strong protections for streams and wetlands that supply drinking water for 1 in 3 Americans, protect key ecosystems, and provide sorely needed outdoor recreation opportunities for Latino families.
strong protections for streams and wetlands that supply drinking water for 1 in 3 Americans, protect key ecosystems, and provide sorely needed outdoor recreation opportunities for Latino families.
Safeguarding our nation’s water supply is of vital importance to the Hispanic community, which depends on clean water to support their families’ health and well-being, conduct traditional acequia farming and ranching practices, and participate in outdoor activities along streams and rivers.
Hispanics have been disproportionately impacted by poor water quality in regions throughout the United States. For example, more than one third (38%) of U.S. Hispanics live in the Colorado River basin—a major river system that has been impacted by toxic pollution. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Hispanics living in the West and Southwest have been exposed to unsafe drinking water that contains high levels of toxins, including arsenic, perchlorate contamination, and nitrates. Latino voters are deeply concerned about environmental pollution, and support regulations that protect our natural resources. A poll recently conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that an overwhelming
majority—more than 70%—of Latino respondents in Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and Illinois support the Clean Water Act, and the protection of wetlands and small streams. Further, a Sierra Club and National Council of La Raza poll from 2012 found that 72% of Latino voters agree that “environmental regulations protect our health and our families by lowering toxic levels of mercury, arsenic, carbon dioxide and other life-threatening pollution in our air and water”. In addition to supporting regulation of waterways and concerns about environmental impacts on public health, Latino voters also believe that environmental protections and a strong economy go hand in hand. A recent Colorado College Conservation in the West poll shows that 87% of Latino voters in Western states believe we can protect our land and water while still having a strong economy—in short, we understand we do not have to choose one over the other. We thank you for helping to safeguard our drinking water supplies and protecting the health of our families, communities, rivers and streams for future generations by proposing this “Waters of the United States” rulemaking. We encourage the Administration to advance this rule through the process and finalize it without delay. Doing so will ensure that Hispanic families across America have the assurance that their waters are now being protected at a much higher public health and environmental level. Sincerely, ASPIRA Casa de Esperanza Farmworker Justice Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Hispanic Access Foundation Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and Outdoors (HECHO) Hispanic Federation (HF) Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Latino Justice/PRLDEF League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) MANA—A National Latina Organization (MANA) National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives (NAHFE) National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW) National Institute for Latino Policy (NILP) National Hispanic Council on Aging National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) National Hispanic Media Coalition National Hispanic Medical Association National Puerto Rican Coalition (NPRC) National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Nuestro Rio Por La Creación: Faith-based Alliance SER: Jobs for Progress U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) U.S—Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) Voces Verdes William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI)
