NAACP, EPA Visit Portland, Oregon to Explore Sustainable Model for New DC HQ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – This week, NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson was joined by EPA Administrator Michael Regan along with a contingent of developers, investors, elected officials, and fellow civil rights leaders, on a daylong trip to Portland, Oregon to tour various sustainable buildings and discuss pathways to funding sustainable developments through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). The fund, which has been allocated nearly $30 billion dollars, provides federal grants to sustainable developments and climate-justice focused projects in low-income and marginalized communities who are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.
Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO shared this statement following the visit:
"In order to continue moving the needle of progress, our government must make holistic investments in the Black community. With federal commitments to center historically disadvantaged communities, environmental practices must take into consideration the construction and development that leads to innovation in communities. The NAACP applauds the EPA for its continued commitment to integrating sustainability in communities, particularly those who have been disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. Sustainable development that centers equity in Black communities is key to wealth generation and a healthy future. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund exemplifies the innovative leadership that will provide our communities with the access to capital necessary to make sustainability a reality for Black America. Through insightful convenings like this, we will continue to forge a path forward, together. The NAACP is excited to continue this dialogue, using the knowledge and resources gained to set a precedent for environmentally sound development."
The day of events included a tour of the PAE Building and the Albina Vision Trust community. The PAE Building is a one-of-a-kind triumph in sustainability which has achieved all seven petals of the Living Building Challenge, making a regenerative and positive impact in its surrounding community.
"Environmental and climate justice remain at the forefront of the NAACP's mission, particularly when thinking of projects and building developments in our nation's Black communities," said Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice. "We are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions within built environments and their impact on the surrounding communities to ensure we are reducing climate hazards for Black Americans. Buildings can be extractive or regenerative to those who use them and we will ensure to center regenerative practices. As we forge ahead with planning for our future headquarters, we will remain vigilant in pioneering what environmental and climate justice means from construction materials to our water use, energy consumption, and more. And we appreciate the EPA's ongoing support of our climate initiatives."
The visit served as a step toward integrating sustainability into the development of NAACP's new headquarters in Washington, D.C. In addition to the tour, NAACP leadership, EPA Administrator Regan and others engaged in thoughtful discussions with Black architects, developers, and business leaders. The conversations highlighted the significant advantages of integrating sustainability into all aspects of our work, the Association is poised to move forward with fostering sustainable development in Black and frontline communities.
Click here to access photos from the event.
To learn more about the NAACP's work to advance climate justice, visit our website.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.