Key facts
- Olympic athletes, including Jessie Diggins, are lobbying lawmakers on Capitol Hill for climate change solutions.
- The group 'Protect Our Winters' is advocating for stronger environmental regulations and a bolstered EPA.
- Athletes are concerned about the EPA's rollback of climate, water, and pollution regulations.
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin believes deregulation will save trillions and boost the economy.
- Environmentalists contend the EPA is failing to protect the public from greenhouse gas pollution.
Olympic athletes, including decorated cross-country skier Jessie Diggins, are visiting Capitol Hill to advocate for stronger environmental protections and push back against regulatory rollbacks. Diggins, part of the athlete-driven group 'Protect Our Winters,' expressed concern over the Environmental Protection Agency's actions since President Donald Trump returned to office, particularly regarding climate, water, and pollution regulations.
Diggins stated her motivation stems from a desire to ensure future generations can enjoy outdoor activities and clean air, highlighting the threat climate change poses to her sport. She described bringing her Olympic medals to Washington as a "beautiful, full circle moment" and hopes for productive conversations leading to bipartisan efforts to strengthen the EPA.
The coalition includes other Olympians such as Jaelin Kauf, Gus Schumacher, Bea Kim, Julia Kern, and Olivia Giaccio. They aim to engage with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Ski mountaineer Brody Leven noted that while they may not be typical lobbyists, their ability to face adversity and pursue difficult goals makes them effective advocates.
During the Trump administration, the EPA has been criticized for revoking scientific findings related to climate change, rolling back limits on toxic wastewater, and reducing federal pollution controls, actions that environmentalists argue contradict the agency's mission. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, however, has defended these changes, stating they will save trillions of dollars and make living more affordable.
Protect Our Winters, which has lobbied Congress for about a decade, is focused on rebuilding environmental institutions beyond the Trump years. Former EPA employee Stuart Nissenbaum, also part of the coalition, believes the presence of Olympians will draw attention to their message that clean air and water are bipartisan issues grounded in science.