NAACP Passes Resolution to Oppose Coal Pollution, Support Clean Air Act
In late July, Sierra Student Coalition director Quentin James attended the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) National Convention in Los Angeles and came away with a major feather in his cap when he got the organization—the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization—to approve a resolution making explicit their defense of the Clean Air Act against coal pollution.
That's James, above, with Stefanie Brown, the NAACP's National Field Director.
James submitted an emergency resolution to clarify and clearly state the NAACP's policy on coal plants and the Clean Air Act. "I'm happy to announce the resolution was passed unanimously by all of the convention delegates!" James says. "While the resolution won't take effect until October when we ratify it, it is extremely exciting to see our organization joining the battle to defend the Clean Air Act and shut down coal plants!"
Read the full resolution spelling out the NAACP's support for the Clean Air Act, federal Ozone and Mercury Air Toxics rules, and local efforts to organize against pollution from coal-fired power plants, which disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. More than 70 percent of African Americans live in areas in violation of air pollution standards.
"We will also deepen our work addressing pollution from coal plants by strengthening policies and regulations and promoting corporate social responsibility," says Jacqueline Patterson, director of NAACP's Environmental Justice and Climate Justice Program.
James gives a special thank you to Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune for attending the conference and participating on the Climate Justice panel.
Learn more about the Sierra Student Coalition and the Sierra Club's work to fight air pollution and move America beyond coal.
