VIDEO STILL/CSPAN
In 2017, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an international environmental advocacy group, was among plaintiffs who won a successful lawsuit against the State of Michigan regarding the Flint disaster. Flint residents are now shocked and angry upon learning of Gina McCarthy’s new gig. Below are excerpts from a letter sent to the NRDC endorsed by Flint, MI community groups.
December 6, 2019
To Whom it May Concern:
We are writing to let you know of our objection to the hiring of Gina McCarthy to the position of President and CEO of the NRDC. As you well know, because of the successful lawsuit that you brought against the State of Michigan, not only the State was culpable in the poisoning of our city.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was first made aware of problems with our water in May 2014, but did not speak out until an Emergency Administrative Order was issued in January, 2016. Gina McCarthy was in charge of the EPA at that time and was ultimately responsible for us consuming the water for months when they knew it wasn’t safe. Even the EPA Office of Inspector General concluded that EPA’s Management failed to protect us. (See www.epa.gov/oig Project No. 17-P-0004.)
We the members of Democracy Defense League, the advocacy groups listed below and residents of the City of Flint, feel that this appointment is a slap in the face by an organization that is supposed to stand with and defend us from the very people who hold responsibility for the deaths and harm caused by the government agencies and individuals involved.
Disappointedly Yours,
Democracy Defense League
Concerned Pastors for Social Action of Flint
Color of Change Flint
CAUTION
