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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
EARTH MONTH RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and is widely recognized as a day to reflect on the importance of the natural world, bringing together communities to support environmental action, and April has come to be known as “Earth Month” by extension; and
WHEREAS, under Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s leadership, Sustainable Communities is a pillar of the Cook County Offices Under the President Policy Roadmap Strategic Plan, to support healthy, resilient communities that thrive economically, socially and environmentally by prioritizing efforts that reduce the County’s climate impact, improve the resiliency of communities, reduce pollution and support green infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Cook County works to improve accessibility to green spaces including 70,000 acres supported by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and the County recognizes the numerous plant and animal species and ecosystems that deserve protection and require responsible stewardship; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Environment and Sustainability has been engaging with residents through surveys, town halls and public input to learn more about environmental concerns and share a first draft Environmental Justice Policy for Cook County, co-developed by an internal working group made up of representatives across multiple County Departments and Agencies and a Community Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Asset Management has coordinated actions across the County in an effort to meet the goals outlined in the Cook County Clean Energy Plan including pursuing renewable energy efforts, reducing emissions in Cook County buildings and improving efficiency; and
WHEREAS, Cook County supports residents in reducing their environmental impact and improving health through programs such as Healthy Homes for Healthy Families and Sun and Save residential renewable energy subsidy, engages businesses in free assessments on pollution reduction through Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) and replaces lead water lines through LeadCare Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Cook County continues to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills through recycling and diversion efforts and collaborating with partners to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners commemorates and celebrates Earth Month in Cook County, recognizing the significant accomplishments and progress made to date by the County in fighting climate change and ensuring a healthy and clean environment for all people and places in Cook County, and continues our commitment to supporting further positive actions to benefit our communities and the environments in which they live, work and play.
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