Resolution - Declaration of the Principles of Environmental Justice and Environmental Bill of Rights in Latino Communities in the United States

WHEREAS, The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s oldest and largest Latino Organization, founded in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 24, 1929; and
 
WHEREAS, throughout its history LULAC has committed itself to the principles that Latinos have equal access to opportunities in employment, education, housing and health care; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and the interdependence of all species, and right to be free from ecological destruction; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all peoples, free from any of discrimination or bias; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice calls for universal protection from nuclear testing, and the extraction, production and disposal of toxic/ hazardous wastes and poisons that threaten the fundamental right to clean air, land, water and food; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice demands the cessation of production of toxins, hazardous wastes, and radioactive material, and all past and current producers be held strictly accountable to the people for detoxification and containment at the point of production; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice demands the right to participate as equal partners at every level of decision making including needs assessments, planning, implementation, enforcement and evaluation; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice protects the rights of victims of environmental injustice to receive full compensation and reparations for damages as well as quality health care; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice affirms the need for urban and rural ecological policies to clean up and rebuild our cities and rural areas in balance with nature, honoring culture integrity of our communities, and providing fair access for all to the full range of resources; and
 
WHEREAS, Environmental justice calls for the education of present and future generations which emphasizes social and environmental issues, based on our experiences and an appreciation of our diverse perspectives; and
 
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National League of United Latin American Citizens hereby declare the Principles of Environmental Justice and Environmental Bill of Rights for all Latino Communities in the United States: Right to Clean Industry, Right to Be Safe from Harmful Exposure, Right to Prevention, Right to Know, Right to Participate, Right to Protection and Enforcement; Right to Compensation, and Right to Clean up.

Approved this 18th day of July 2009.

Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President