Rep. Clyburn highlights fair treatment to SRS new hires

Speaking to a group of new SRS employees Monday, U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn urged them not to just work but to remember the importance of volunteering and improving one's community.

Clyburn was at the Savannah River Site along with Congresswoman Donna M. Christian-Christensen (Virgin Islands) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

The group is part of the Environmental Justice Tour, during which Jackson, President Barack Obama's pick to lead the EPA, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) are touring several sites.

The joint EPA and CBC tour is meant to highlight the impact of environmental issues on what the Department of Energy calls "underserved communities" throughout the country.

The EPA defines "environmental justice" as the fair treatment and involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

"The real benefits you get out of life ... is something that will better your community," Clyburn said. "People expect you to go to work, put in your time and earn your pay. People respect you for going beyond that."

The group Clyburn addressed was mostly made up of young, African-American men and women who have recently come on site and accepted positions related to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Jack Craig, DOE's SRS acting site manager, hosted the event which primarily focused on congratulating new graduates who were now employed at the Savannah River Site.

Jackson spoke of building a partnership "for a new foundation for prosperity," with the coming together of an environmentally conscious country and the jobs that this brings.

Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.