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Press Releases

LCV Statement on D.C. Statehood Senate Hearing

Jun 22, 2021

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

Washington, D.C. — In response to the ongoing Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on D.C. Statehood, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from Voting Rights Program Director Justin Kwasa: 

“We commend Chair Peters for holding today’s historic public hearing on D.C. Statehood. It is up to the Senate to right a historic wrong, fully enfranchise the more than 700,000 residents of Washington, D.C., and deliver long delayed fair and equal representation in the federal government for taxpayers living in our nation’s capital. Hundreds of thousands of people of color living in D.C. are disproportionately impacted by toxic pollution and our federal government’s failure to act on climate — yet they don’t have the constitutional right to make their voices heard. One of the very best things we can do to protect people and the planet is ensure everyone can participate equitably in our political system. The Senate must follow the lead of the House, pass S. 51, and give power to the people now.”

Last week, LCV and 51 for 51 unveiled a new mural in the Shaw neighborhood to advocate for D.C. statehood and uplift the critical intersection between statehood and fighting the climate crisis. The mural, designed by local artist Cesar Maxit, features a call to action for statehood and honors D.C. statehood and environmental justice leader Josephine Butler. The mural can be viewed in person from the intersection of 11th St. NW and Vermont Ave. NW.

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