Thursday, Aug 11 2011 10:07AM
The Obama administration announced federal agencies have agreed to provide residents living in over-polluted areas with reports regarding the progress of cleanup efforts.
Recently, President Barack Obama's administration announced federal agencies have agreed to provide residents living in over-polluted areas with reports regarding the progress being made in cleaning up their communities.
"All too often, low-income, minority and Native Americans live in the shadows of our society's worst pollution, facing disproportionate health impacts and greater obstacles to economic growth in communities that can't attract businesses and new jobs," said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley stated all Americans have the right to live in a clean environment where they can remain healthy and prosper economically. She added low-income residents are often the victims in these situations.
Additionally, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Native Americans, Alaska Natives and rural communities may be among the most vulnerable to health risks from pollution.
Jackson, Sutley, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and other federal agency heads attended the signing of the agreement.