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Congreso Takes Action for Environmentally Healthy Communities

Kucinich, Solis Deliver Keynotes as Delegates Vote on Platform

Leading the way on environmental concerns and solutions for communities of color in the United States, the National Latino Congreso (NLC) will feature a full day of agenda-setting resolutions on Sunday's NLC Environment Day.

"Environment Day is extremely important to us as Latinos as we set up a common agenda that will ensure an important voice at the decision-making tables in addition to helping protect the world we live in for our children, grandchildren, and future generations," stated Antonio Gonzalez, president of the WVI.

Environment Day, Sunday, October 7, 2007, will present more than 50 nationally-recognized speakers on the most pressing environmental issues of our time, with emphasis on how neighborhood utilize leadership and organizing skills to impact decisions that affect the well being of their families.

Entitled Saving the Globe for Our Children and Grandchildren: Strategies on Climate Change,Energy Alternatives, Urban Greening, and Public Health, Environment Day will feature more than 18 workshops in addition to discussions and a plenary session. US Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA) will deliver keynotes.

Delegates will discuss topics, including:

• Water supply and policy

• Environmental justice

• Climate change.

Environment Day will culminate with a fundraising dinner featuring Leila and Nadia Conners, co-directors, writers, and producers of the film The 11th Hour.

"As in 2006, the National Latino Congreso will be calling on our nation's leaders to raise the bar in addressing climate change and other critical environmental issues," said Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network President. "This historic gathering will again demonstrate the commitment of the Latino community to a healthy environment and its determination to lead the discussion on policies impacting our neighborhoods, families and work places."

• Roughly 80% of U.S.-Latinos live in 437 counties with poor air quality.

• Global warming is expected to double the number of cities that currently exceed air quality standards.

• People of color are twice as likely to die in a heat wave.

A total of 20 resolutions will be put to vote on NLC's Environment Day. Results will be announced in a press release. Interested media will have a chance to speak with resolution proponents at the 10 a.m. media briefing on Oct. 8, 2007.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com