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PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE TO FILE 23-1092
(Environment and Sustainability Committee 2/8/2023)
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
WHEREAS, Cook County Government plays a vital role in improving the environment and quality of life for all residents of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Environmental Justice raises awareness of the relationship between the environment and systemic racism; and
WHEREAS, many areas along Cook County's industrial corridors have become increasingly residential and home to growing immigrant communities and communities of color that are disproportionately impacted by air, land and water pollutants; and
WHEREAS, communities of color are disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices that have produced racially disparate environmental health, and socioeconomic outcomes for generations; and
WHEREAS, Environmental Justice emphasizes community partnership, empowerment and participation by those most impacted by environmental racism; and
WHEREAS, Cook County can play a role in repairing past environmental injustices by proactively supporting and investing in environmental justice communities; and
WHEREAS, The Environmental Justice Movement has roots in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Hazel M. Johnson, a Chicago resident who founded People for a Community Recovery and fought environmental racism in her community at Altgeld Gardens, is widely recognized as The Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement; and
WHEREAS, Chicago and Cook County has a long history of environmental justice organizing by Black, Latine, Asian American and Native communities; and
WHEREAS, Cook County further solidified its commitment to environmental justice as well as advancing health equity and climate justice by passing Resolution 22-3910 and participating in the Justice 40 Initiatives introduced by the federal government; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 22-3910 encouraged Cook County to apply for grants for the purpose of advancing the principles of th...
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