Press Releases

National Environmental Groups Thank Rep. Sewell, Democratic House Members and House Leadership for Advancing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

Aug 24, 2021

Contact: Emily Samsel, esamsel@lcv.org, 828-713-9647

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leading environmental organizations have joined together to thank Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL-7), Democratic House members and House Leadership for advancing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and urge the Senate to pass this legislation swiftly. This important legislation will restore and expand the 1965 Voting Rights Act, protecting the public’s access to fair elections, and ensuring our democracy works for everyone — especially communities of color who historically carry the heaviest burden of pollution, environmental disaster, and barriers to voting. 

The Voting Rights Act has a long history of bipartisan support. In fact, every time the law has been reauthorized, it has garnered support from Republicans and Democrats, and in the last reauthorization, the Senate passed it with unanimous support: 98 to 0. 

Below is a statement from our organizations, League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Defense Action Fund, the Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), the National Wildlife Federation, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Greenpeace USA:

“Leaders in the House showed once again that they recognize the urgent need to pass legislation that strengthens our democracy and expands the right to vote. Not only will the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act help prevent changes to voting rules that would discriminate against voters based on race or background, it is also an opportunity to begin to effectively tackle the critical issues our nation faces. By ensuring all people can use their voices  at the ballot box, we will be able to combat the climate crisis, protect our lands, waters, biodiversity, wildlife, and oceans, and advance justice for all. 

“It’s now time for the Senate to not only restore the full force of the Voting Rights Act with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, but also take up the For the People Act. Both these bills, in tandem, will strengthen our democracy and make our voting process more inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all.” 

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