On the Environment, Cynthia McKinney has stated:

"The Bush Administration has made the environment take a back seat to their other priorities. When a global warming report came out of the Administration's own office, the Council on Environmental Quality, noting human effects on climate change, the Administration virtually dismissed it. While in Congress, I have consistently voted to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and to increase funding for energy efficiency, sustainable power sources, and enforcement of our existing environmental laws. As the summer heats up and smog-days return, it is important that we take measures to reduce air pollution from power plants and cars, to increase funding and development of mass transit and subways, and to spend more on research for solar and wind power sources."

Fight Against Landfills in the 4th District

While in Congress, Cynthia McKinney hosted a town meeting to address the high number of landfills located in the 4th District. After further investigation, Ms. McKinney discovered that there were 18 landfills in Dekalb County, 8 of which were still active located in close proximity to one another in South DeKalb. Also at issue was the proposed expansion of Hickory Ridge landfill. Cynthia McKinney presented a panel of experts including Martin Luther King III of the South Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to answer questions ranging from health risks, environmental injustice, lack of economic development, declining property values, and quality of life issues.

Cynthia McKinney requested both the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study the potential adverse health effects associated with living near landfills. Ms. McKinney further requested that these agencies investigate issues of environmental discrimination in her district. Over 300 Fourth District residents were in attendance.

Congresswoman's McKinney's work with the neighborhoods of South DeKalb was effective: Live Oak landfill was shut down. Congresswoman McKinney will work with South DeKalb neighborhoods to make sure that all landfills are closed on time and abide by environmental regulations.

Fight Against Soil Erosion

Cynthia McKinney assisted the DeKalb Soil and Water Conservation Board, resulting in greater enforcement of local soil and erosion laws.  She also requested that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do an assessment/audit of the County's ability to enforce the Clean Water Act.

Fight Against Water Pollution

Cynthia McKinney has consistently worked with Georgia PIRG and numerous concerned citizen groups to require industries and municipalities to label pipes discharging into Georgia's Waterways. Congresswoman McKinney pushes the Bush Administration for stronger protections from water pollution problems.  In letters to President Bush, McKinney urged against increasing fossil fuel production and instead focusing on renewable sources of energy and conservation.

Fight Against Air Pollution

Cynthia McKinney worked with the Georgia Environmental Enforcement Project, Sierra Club and the Georgia Center For Public Law in a effort to change Title V permits, namely to ensure that coal fired power plants are equipped with modern anti-pollution devices.  McKinney additionally urged then-EPA administrator, Christine Todd-Whitman, against loosening restrictions on the power industry and to safeguard and enforce the regulations set forth in the Clean Air Act.

Cynthia McKinney is a proud protector of our environment.