Environment
Burning, polluted rivers and visibly polluted air were some of the factors that led to the first major environmental laws in our country. Environment and public health are closely linked and although the days of pouring chemicals into waterways and air pollution as thick as pea soup have passed there are still many challenges facing our environment and affecting public health. Aging transportation and water systems should be replaced to improve air and water quality. We need to protect our National Parks and other American public lands in order to preserve the unique diversity of plant and animal life, as well as our cultural heritage. And we should work to develop our cities, communities and rural areas more sustainably, including with more sustainable agricultural practices.