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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 assessmen...
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