As a proud resident of Richmond and a longtime environmental activist, I write to thank you and the other members of City Council for standing strong against the five dirty energy lawsuits filed against Richmond. I am very grateful for your help in phasing out coal and petcoke by the end of 2026. As you know, this settlement is a huge victory for the dedicated local movement that spoke up about the toxic coal dust that has long been harming our communities and public health.
Thank you also for your leadership in securing almost a dozen new mitigation measures that will reduce fugitive dust emissions.
Please continue to do all in your power to fight against fossil fuels and to ensure green policies and infrastructure in our beloved city. If we are to save the planet and prevent devastating and irreversible climate change, we need bold leadership at every level of government. As youth activist Greta Thunberg has wisely said, we must start acting like our house is on fire because it is. And since communities of color are disproportionately hurt by climate change, I likewise urge you to fight against environmental racism. Climate justice should be in the forefront of every action that City Council takes. I hope you and your colleagues will push even harder and put Richmond on the map as a bold leader in this regard. In doing so, you will literally be helping to save lives and our planet.
