WASHINGTON – The American people have sent a powerful message with the historic midterm elections: They demand a government that works for them, not a government corrupted by the power of polluters and corporate interests.
The sweeping rejection of the Trump administration’s policies presents Congress’ incoming Democratic majority with both an opportunity and an obligation to deliver on the issues that matter most to families.
The Environmental Working Group says the next Congress should pursue efforts to provide safe, healthy food and clean drinking water, strengthen protections against toxic chemicals and pesticides, and support affordable clean energy.
The following is a statement from EWG President and Co-founder Ken Cook:
This historic election is a celebration of American pluralism – and a reminder that, to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin’s warning, we have a republic, if we can keep it.
Last night’s results offer us a reason for optimism and a renewed confidence that progress is possible. By listening to voters and putting people first, we can begin to restore trust in government, and build a healthier, safer and more hopeful future for generations to come.
The results are also a resounding rejection of President Donald Trump’s agenda and a powerful affirmation of the values that make America stronger: opportunity, accountability and the fundamental promise that government should work for the people, not powerful corporate interests.
The people are fed up with policies that cater to polluters and corrupt corporate interests ahead of the health, safety and economic well-being of millions of Americans.
Democrats now have an opportunity – and an obligation – to deliver on a different vision, one grounded in the kitchen-table issues that matter to families every day. That means fighting for clean, safe, healthy food free from harmful pesticides and toxic additives; drinking water free from dangerous contaminants; and affordable, clean energy.
It means holding polluters accountable, restoring the government’s ability to protect public health and the environment, and rejecting the playbook of the last two years of putting Big Food, Big Ag and Big Pesticides ahead of the public interest.
Democrats must also begin to repair the damage inflicted by the most stridently anti-environmental, anti-science administration in our history, and rebuild the federal government’s capacity to protect Americans.
That means restoring and strengthening critical agencies, including the EPA, the FDA and the CDC. It means restoring and strengthening science-based safeguards against pesticide exposure and toxic chemicals; protecting drinking water from contamination; and ensuring that public health, not corporate influence, drives regulatory decisions.
EWG stands ready to work with Congress – and all stakeholders – to make it happen and to turn this electoral mandate into real action.
We have an ambitious agenda and concrete opportunities to make progress. We look forward to working with incoming members of Congress and continuing our work to reform our food chemical safety system, strengthen pesticide protection and help farmers lead the transition to regenerative agriculture.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.