Take action in state on environmental justice

We were pleased to read about a recent discussion in Connecticut on climate justice that was included in the opinion piece: “Promote Climate Justice and End Environmental Racism.”

The conversation focused on “the disproportionate impacts of climate change on communities of color and how Connecticut can take steps to promote climate justice … through a more inclusive and equitable process.”

As physicians on the front lines, we witness the harmful health effects and treat patients daily with asthma and other respiratory diseases exacerbated by climate change. We are pleased that our national organization, the American College of Physicians has long had policy on environmental justice and climate change. Specifically, ACP has called for “action to achieve environmental justice, particularly for communities with people of color, people with low incomes and marginalized populations.”

The good news is that legislation is currently under consideration. The law, however, must be strengthened to improve public participation in the process, something demonstrated by the voices highlighted in this article.

Our national policy asks officials to aggressively act to prohibit discriminatory practices related to environmental health. It calls on government leaders and planners to conduct meaningful outreach regarding decisions that affect community health, including infrastructure proposals, siting landfills and toxic waste facilities, construction projects and land use.

We are hopeful that our state leaders will act this session to improve our environmental justice law and protect overburdened communities. Developing policies and passing legislation is an essential first step to promote and ensure the health and well-being of all communities in our state.

Dr. Ben Cherry, Woodbridge Dr. Anthony Yoder, Newington