Over the past few decades, scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and the public, have debated about the effects of human activity on the earth’s climate. Of course, at ground zero of the climate change discussion are issues related to energy, transportation, and the environment, which are all the focus of hotly debated policies on local, state, and national levels.
Despite the polarization caused by some of these conversations, many agree that something needs to be done about the resulting environmental conditions, particularly the ones that affect the poor and communities of color. Consequently, it is up to all of us to collaborate, develop, and implement equitable and sustainable solutions to our current environmental concerns.
In this issue of The Legislator, articles explore best practices, innovative policies, and developing trends in fields such as the automobile industry, green jobs, and transportation infrastructure. They also delve into the experiences of individuals and communities where ineffective energy, transportation, and environmental policies have lead to poor economic and public health conditions. Nevertheless, despite the issues being deliberated, it is clear that people across the nation are using these challenges to create opportunities for progress and are having success doing so.
Therefore, the question at hand is not whether change is happening – because it is – but how, by how much, and when. Understanding that state legislators are at the helm of this movement, now is the time to heed the counsel of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
Be inspired to Act
The Editorial Team
