WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan regarding the ongoing coal dust contamination taking place in South Baltimore as a result of coal dust flying from railroad cars transporting millions of tons of coal through Curtis Bay. EPA Administrator Regan appeared before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, where Congressman Mfume serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce.
Specifically, Congressman Mfume asked Administrator Regan about a September 26, 2023, petition seeking to cover railroad cars with coal (“the Petition”). However, the EPA has not taken formal action on the Petition to date. Congressman Mfume penned a June 21, 2024, letter in support of the Petition and rulemaking process.
“There is no dispute that large sums of coal dust flies from uncovered railroad cars and the coal dust comes to rest in our waterways, as well as on cars and in the lungs of human beings. My constituents, who live next to and around the Curtis Bay terminal, live with this contamination and struggle to breathe clean air. The Curtis Bay neighborhood suffers from high levels of coal dust pollution transported through their community. We cannot idly sit by and let this grave case of environmental injustice continue unabated,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.
“Coal dust from uncovered railroad trains is an undeniable health threat to thousands of Curtis Bay residents and others who are forced to fight for clean air and water daily due to this threat. Our youth, adults, and older adults in Baltimore City’s 10th Councilmanic District experience visibly high levels of coal dust pollution in the water, playgrounds, streets, and homes. This injustice must end,” said Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter. “The South Baltimore communities I represent have battled environmental hazards for decades, advocating tirelessly for their basic human right to clean water, breathable air, and healthy living conditions. I am grateful for the collaboration with Congressman Mfume as we demand environmental justice accountability from the EPA. Protecting our health is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental human right we must uphold,” she added.Â
“The South Baltimore Community Land Trust, its allies, and all affected communities call for unity in protecting basic human rights. Congressman Kweisi Mfume’s letter to the EPA marks one of the initial steps in advocating for equitable solutions to shield communities from exposure to coal dust from uncovered railcars. Achieving federal, congressional, state, and local support to end environmental injustices is crucial in addressing historical environmental inequities prioritizing profit over people in communities like South Baltimore. We are eager to collaborate with leaders at all levels of government to lead efforts in safeguarding lives and building communities we can take pride in,” said Dr. Meleny Thomas, Executive Director, South Baltimore Community Land Trust.Â
“In Baltimore City alone, nearly 130,000 people live within .3 miles of uncovered coal trains passing by their homes en route to the uncovered coal piles at the CSX export terminal in Curtis Bay. Covering the coal is a long overdue step for environmental justice that will provide immediate relief for residents forced to pay the health costs of breathing in hazardous coal dust. We are hopeful that Congressman Mfume backing the community’s call will inspire needed action by the EPA and officials at all levels to protect our health and community’s ability to thrive,” said Greg Sawtell, Co-President, Community of Curtis Bay Association.Â
