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Woman getting signatures for climate action

The Environment

As citizens of the world, we must protect our planet from the physical, economic, and public health effects of climate change while also providing pathways to economic prosperity.

Why It Matters

The preservation of the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the earth’s ecosystem is essential for the maximum protection of public health and the environment. The interrelationships of air, water, and land resources should be recognized in designing environmental safeguards. The federal government should have a major role in setting standards for environmental protection and pollution control.

What We're Doing

Since the 1960s, we have been at the forefront of efforts to protect air, land, and water resources. Our approach to environmental protection and pollution control is one of problem-solving. The League’s environmental goals aim to prevent ecological degradation and to reduce and control pollutants before they go down the sewer, up the chimney or into the landfill. We support vigorous enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for states and localities that do not comply with federal standards as well as substantial fines for noncompliance.

In 2023, we endorsed the Children's Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution, which recognizes the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children and the need for a national, science-based climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets and stabilize the climate system.

Latest from the League

The climate crisis continues to devastatingly and inequitably impact the health and well-being of people and our planet.  

As effective climate action requires political commitment and coordinated laws and policies, the League advocates for bold and just executive and legislative actions to help ensure a stable climate for future generations. 

Blog /

LWVUS joined a letter to Congress urging that they protect the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) -the primary federal support for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure- from being diverted to earmarks in the FY2024 appropriations process. This diversion would reduce the total state revolving funds and grant money for territories and tribes; shield funded projects from statutory oversight and transparency requirements; and diminish future funds.

Letters /

LWVUS sent a memo to members of Congress urging them to support S. Con. Res. 13/H. Con. Res. 56. This concurrent resolution recognizes the disproportionate impact of the human-caused climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children in the US and acknowledges the need for the executive branch to develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan.

Letters /

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