Across Houston and Harris County, many families live near refineries, chemical facilities, rail corridors, and major transportation routes. While these industries contribute to our economy, they also create environmental and public health challenges that affect residents every day. Air quality concerns, industrial incidents, flooding, aging infrastructure, and water contamination continue to impact neighborhoods throughout our region.
A stronger Houston and Harris County requires a commitment to clean air, safe water, resilient infrastructure, and transparent communication during environmental emergencies. By bringing together community leaders, industry partners, public health professionals, and government agencies, we can promote economic growth while protecting the health, safety, and quality of life of the people who call our region home.
Environmental justice in Houston and Harris County is about clean air, safe water, and real accountability from industries operating in and around our neighborhoods.
As a resident, public health professional, and community advocate, Earnest Clayton will:
• Advocate for stronger enforcement, greater transparency, and accountability when industrial accidents, chemical releases, or environmental violations occur.
• Support expanded air- and water-quality monitoring so families have access to timely information about what they are breathing and drinking.
• Promote investments in drainage, flood control, and resilient infrastructure to protect homes, businesses, and communities from storms, runoff, and environmental hazards.
• Work with community leaders, emergency management officials, and public health agencies to strengthen emergency preparedness, public alerts, and protections for vulnerable populations.
• Support environmental clean-up efforts and the remediation of hazardous sites that have impacted neighborhoods for decades.
• Encourage the development of green buffers, community green spaces, urban tree canopies, and heat-mitigation projects that improve public health and quality of life.
• Advocate for responsible planning and development practices that protect neighborhoods, schools, parks, and community spaces from environmental risks.
Every family in Houston and Harris County deserves safe air, clean water, and a community that is protected, informed, and empowered. Environmental progress should benefit the people who live here, not come at their expense.
