Black Millennials 4 Flint Applauds EPA for Standing up to Industry Washington, DC – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a historical announcement of their finalized version of the standard updating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Particulate Matter (PM 2.5), also known as soot pollution. This tightened standard will reduce harmful pollution and clean up our air. It will save lives, improve public health outcomes including reducing cases of asthma and frequency of hospital visits, and cut down on missed work and school days resulting fr ..read more

Memphis, TN – In a proactive move to prioritize the health and safety of students, Memphis- Shelby County Schools undertook comprehensive lead testing of all water sources during the fall break of 2023. The district’s commitment to transparency is evident in their subsequent announcement, assuring the community that “minimal to no traces of lead” were found in any fountains or water sources across their schools. While this news is certainly reassuring, the school district recognizes the importance of providing detailed information to parents and students, addressing concerns regarding the leve ..read more

November 17, 2023 While the Inflation Reduction Act is touted for establishing historical investments in environmental justice, it still allows polluters to continue poisoning communities through extremely harmful carbon technologies such as Carbon Capture and other unfounded carbon technologies. Black Millennials 4 Flint was one of many EJ organizations that had major concerns with the compromise federal legislators made that still puts tax payer dollars into the pockets of the fossil fuel industry. The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC), a national collective of envi ..read more

December 5, 2023 Memphis, TN– Today, Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW) presented their preliminary Lead Service Line Replacement Plan at the Memphis City Council Committee Meeting as requested by known Environmental Justice Champion Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas. After over 6 years of requests from Black Millennials 4 Flint and other partner community organizations, it was a good first step with gaining some transparency.  It also was perfect timing as the US Environmental Protection Agency announced the new mandate for replacing all lead service lines in 10 ..read more

Yale University’s Fifth Annual Global Environmental Justice Conference, with the theme “Environmental Joy,” was a transformative experience that I had the privilege of attending on a scholarship from their grassroots EJ organization fund—an opportunity for which I am immensely grateful. The weekend was an infusion of love, power, and, fittingly, joy. In a world where environmental challenges often loom large, the conference, hosted by YCEJ (Yale Center for Environmental Justice), provided a refreshing perspective by centering its focus on something powerful and uplifting: Environmental Joy. Ta ..read more

EPA estimates that from 2024 to 2038 the standards will reduce methane from covered sources by 80%. December 2, 2023  Washington, DC– Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Final Methane Rule which aims to cut methane pollution and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and gas sector. While there is significant work to be done to completely move away from natural gas, this rule will take an important step forward in providing safeguards from toxic methane pollution that will get us closer to solving the climate crisis, protect public health, and create well ..read more

It is about time that EPA updated the antiquated Lead and Copper Rule to finally replace the nearly 22 million lead service lines in the U.S. November 30, 2023 Washington, DC– Today the US Environmental Protection Agency released the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). In alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to Lead Service Line Replacement, these proposed amendment rules call for: 100% replacement of lead service lines in 10 years. Locating Legacy Lead Pipes. Improving Tap Sampling. Lowering the Lead Action Level from 15 µg/L to 10 µg/L In April 2014, nearly a d ..read more

We stand at a critical moment in our community’s history, as the EPA approves the Buick City Prospective Purchaser Agreement (PPA) without the Flint community’s support. As the voices of the future, we must speak up and demand a say in decisions that shape the environment we inherit. It is disheartening to witness decisions that directly impact our future being made without considering the voices of those who will bear the consequences. Our city, resilient in the face of adversity, has time and again shown the strength of its community bonds. Yet, the recent approval of the PPA without our app ..read more

As a Southside Chicago native and self proclaimed social justice warrior, attending the “Let’s Get the Lead Out, Chicago!” Rally organized by the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) was a beautiful moment of hope, unity, determination and purpose in the fight to make our nation #LeadFree. Returning to the city that made me, raising awareness and support for such a critical issue and seeing how adamant and prepared Chicagoans are to fix this issue was such a powerful affirmation that we are moving in the right direction to meet the moment head on. Organizers, activists, community members a ..read more

2023 Baltimore Lead Paint Violation Audit Report aims to shed light on the issue of lead exposure in Baltimore and the ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact on communities. Lead exposure poses severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, including Black and Brown communities, pregnant individuals, and children. The State of Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission, led by stakeholders and agencies, plays a crucial role in devising strategies to address the problem effectively. This report highlights the significance of maintaining a lead registry, utilizing research and ..read more