NRDC Responds to COVID-19
This unprecedented public health crisis requires bold, equitable, and science-based action.
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NRDC is answering this call alongside our partners, which include scientists, health experts, lawyers, and other supporters, as well as the low-income communities and communities of color that are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.
Hundreds of thousands of people are sick; many have lost loved ones. The economic fallout has left tens of millions without jobs. Essential workers’ health is at risk. On top of it all, many families across the country living with polluted air and without access to clean water are more vulnerable to COVID-19. The paramount importance of social equity and environmental justice has been brought out into the spotlight.
NRDC—which has, for 50 years, fought for clean air, clean water, and healthy communities for all—will continue to be relentless in our defense of clean air and water protections both in and out of the courts.
No one, regardless of race, gender, income, or geographic location, should go without the needs of utility and housing services during the time of a global pandemic.
Alexis Cureton, California State Lead, Clean Energy and Equity, NRDC
Together with our partners, we’re calling on governors across the nation to declare a moratorium on water shutoffs during the crisis. We’re keeping an eye on which communities are hardest hit by the crisis and elevating these disparities in our advocacy. We’re working internationally to strengthen wildlife protections to prevent future pandemics. And we’re demanding that federal leaders provide stimulus packages to provide relief for people—not polluters—as well as smart investments in public health and environmental safeguards. Finally, we’re keeping a watchful eye on policy proposals to ensure that efforts to address the COVID-19 crisis today do not make the climate crisis worse tomorrow.
The world will move forward from COVID-19. When we do, we must set ourselves on a path built on equity, on science-based solutions and evidence-based decisions, and on international cooperation. Together, we will help build that path.
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