FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2017

PRESS CONTACT: Mark Antoniewicz, mark@w0c.71c.mwp.accessdomain.com, 202-870-8476

COALITION RALLIES OUTSIDE SENATE HEARING TO OPPOSE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DIRTY EPA BUDGET

Speakers Condemned President Trump and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for Slashing EPA Budget, make link to health care debate

Washington, D.C. — Today, Hip Hop Caucus rallied with a coalition of leaders from health, faith, scientific, economic, and environmental groups to condemn President Trump’s and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s “dirty budget”.

Ahead of Pruitt’s testimony in front of a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, rally speakers denounced the Trump Administration’s proposed 31 percent cut to the Fiscal Year 2018 EPA budget. They highlighted how the proposed cuts would undermine the agency’s ability to protect public health, including the safety of our air and water. They also discussed how the cuts would be particularly devastating for America’s most vulnerable communities.

“These proposed EPA budget cuts would have serious and lasting consequences for communities of color across the country, which are already disproportionately impacted by the realities of climate change and economic inequality. In order to move from surviving to thriving, our communities need strong protections from the polluters that threaten our right to clean air and clean water. A step back on any progress made is a step too far, especially for these communities whose very existence we are fighting for…” said Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President for Climate, Environmental Justice, & Community Revitalization at Hip Hop Caucus.

Leaders from a number of organizations participated in the rally including Sierra Club, Green For All, Union for Concerned Scientists, We ACT for Environmental Justice, Moms Clean Air Force, Greenpeace, 350.org, Green Latinos, Rising Hearts Coalition, Earth Day Network, 500 Women Scientists, Oil Change International, Environment America, Interfaith Power & Light of D.C., Maryland & Northern Virginia, Defend Our Future, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resource Defense Council, and the Franciscan Action Network.

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About: Hip Hop Caucus is a national non-profit and non-partisan organization that utilizes the Hip Hop culture to engage people in the civic process, empower communities, and create positive change. With a grassroots infrastructure in 30 cities across the United States, we address both local and national policies impacting our communities. We strategically partner with local and national leaders, entertainers, influencers, and social justice organizations to use the power of the culture to drive advocacy, take action, and make real, lasting impact — from the “streets to the suites”. For more information, check us out at HipHopCaucus.org, where you can become a member. Also be sure to follow us on social media (@HipHopCaucus).