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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

House Climate Plan to Address Environmental Injustice

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Friday, July 3, 2020   

RICHMOND, Va. - House Democrats in Congress have released a new plan that says the United States should reach a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as a way to solve the climate crisis.

The report also demands that the nation make a stronger effort to reduce air pollution in low-income neighborhoods, which have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 crisis and climate change. Virginia U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, says the plan could help ease environmental injustices that disproportionately affect people of color.

"What this report does is, among other things, it empowers environmental justice communities to have their own private causes of action," says McEachin. "It demands that the federal government have meaningful and productive consultation with E.J. communities before promulgating regulations that will affect them."

The far-reaching package also aims to meld climate solutions with job creation and economic growth. However, it's expected to face stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate.

McEachin points out that this week, Gov. Ralph Northam signed Virginia's first wind turbine deal, another major step toward easing the impacts of climate change. He says the congressional plan will help the Commonwealth fight sea-level rise, add electric cars, and ease public-housing issues related to poor air quality.

"It's good for Virginia from a health perspective," says McEachin. "It's good for Virginia from a transportation perspective, because again, we're going to rebuild our transportation sector in a green fashion. It's good for Virginia in that we're encouraging new industries to come about, in both solar and wind."

Sixty-five percent of Americans say the federal government isn't doing enough to reduce the negative effects of climate change, according to a Pew Research Center poll released last week. A majority in the poll also believe climate change is affecting their communities.






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