For Immediate Release: September 14, 2023
Media Contact: Brandon Shuler, brandon@diversegreen.org, 832-603-3787
Green 2.0 Launches New Environmental Experts of Color Database
Online database includes 150+ speakers of color to address lack of diversity in Congressional expert testimony
WASHINGTON, DC — September 14, 2023 — Green 2.0 is launching the Environmental Experts of Color Database featuring over 150 people of color who are experts on a wide array of environmental topics to address lack of diversity in Congressional expert testimony on Thursday, September 14, 2023. In 2022, 62 percent of NGO witnesses at House hearings identified as White. Only 38 percent of NGO witnesses at House hearings were non-White with many hearings representing no speakers of color, even though climate change stressors and environmental justice disproportionately impact communities of color.
“It is simply unacceptable that there are so few speakers of color in Congressional hearings when there are so many outstanding, exceptionally qualified experts of color in the environmental sector,” said Andres Jimenez, Executive Director of Green 2.0. “With this database, we’re making it as easy as possible to invite these experts to testify before Congress. Now, more than ever, there’s no excuse to exclude these voices.”
The Community and Press is invited to tomorrow’s virtual launch with guest speakers: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA); Marilyn Zepeda, Director of Public Engagement, House Natural Resources Committee; Dr. Chanese A. Forté, Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists; Quentin Scott, Federal Policy Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network; and Adriane Alicea, Deputy Director, Green 2.0.
The Virtual Launch Event is Thursday, September 14th from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM ET. To attend, please register here.
The Environmental Experts of Color Database is applauded by leaders on Capitol Hill:
“Communities of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution, extreme weather, and the climate crisis, yet we are underrepresented at expert roundtables, panels, and hearings that help shape policy and advocacy initiatives,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-California). “Green 2.0’s database will create a network of environmental experts of color who can advise legislative bodies, advance legislation, and lend their voices to advocacy efforts. This will be an especially invaluable tool to Members of Congress and the federal government as we work to implement equitable climate and environmental justice policies, and invest resources to leave behind a healthy planet for future generations.”
“Communities of color all over the country are disproportionately struggling with the compounding impacts of industry pollution and climate change, yet their experiences are too rarely heard in Congress,” said Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), House Committee on Natural Resources. “I thank Green 2.0 for their innovation and ongoing efforts to move us toward more representation in hearings about the environment, public lands, and climate change.
“Extreme heat and dangerous weather fueled by climate pollution disproportionately impact working class and historically marginalized communities,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Florida), former chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. “I am proud that Green 2.0 helped craft solutions to solve the climate crisis. As we work to cut pollution, protect our drinking water, hold polluters accountable, and invest in clean energy, this new resource will ensure that more of the communities most impacted have a seat at the table.”
“Diverse expertise and data is important in any policy area, especially when it comes to addressing the complexities and inequities of climate change, like the disparate impacts on health, access to jobs, and housing security,” said Congressman André Carson (D-Indiana). “The Green 2.0 Experts of Color Database provides an important resource to help improve environmental policymaking and reflect the needs of those most vulnerable to climate change, while creating better policies that support all communities.”
“After years of suffering the most from the impacts of pollution and climate change, it is critical that communities of color have a meaningful say in the laws, policies, and regulations that keep our land, air, and water safe – and that they directly benefit from the solutions we generate. That includes ensuring they have access to the same tax incentives for solar energy that large businesses enjoy and that they are properly funded to switch over to hybrid and electric transportation,” said Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-California). “The Environmental Experts of Color Database will help ensure that Congress can choose the best and most inclusive climate crisis solutions.”
Advance praise by foundation leaders and environmental groups adds their support for this innovative, concerted effort to increase diversity and inclusion in Congressional hearings related to the environment:
“Our foundation is excited about Green 2.0’s vital work to increase opportunity and access for environmental experts of color,” said Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation. “The best policies and advocacy efforts are born from listening to a wide variety of perspectives and lived experiences. This database will help ensure that the voices of those most impacted by climate change and environmental degradation have a say in the decisions that impact their daily lives.”
“This database will go a long way to ensuring that Black, Brown and Indigenous experts are represented in the halls of power,” said Johanna Chao Kreilick, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Congressional committees and others looking for a vetted list of knowledgeable environmental experts of color for a hearing or to inform policy making will have this user-friendly database to turn to as a resource.”
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Green 2.0 is a 501(c)3 independent campaign working to increase racial and ethnic diversity among environmental organizations. Green 2.0 believes in a powerful, winning environmental movement grounded in equity and inclusion.