Support the Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance

Friends of the Chicago River is proud to support the proposed Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance which was officially introduced at Chicago City Council on Wednesday, marking a major step forward in protecting environmental justice communities from the ongoing harms of industrial pollution. In honor of the legacy of Hazel M. Johnson, the mother of environmental justice, this ordinance represents a crucial step toward building a healthier, more equitable city. If you live in Chicago, reach out to your alderperson to urge them to support the ordinance. These protections are long overdue and your voice is needed to move this important ordinance forward.

Led by an influential coalition of organizations, including People for Community Recovery, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Neighbors for Environmental Justice, Blacks in Green, and Southeast Environmental Task Force, that make up the Chicago Environmental Justice Network, this ordinance aims to end city development patterns that further burden communities of color with harmful pollution. Data from Friends’ GIS-based Natural Solutions Tool highlights significant public health and equity disparities, with the highest concentrations of air pollution, asthma, diabetes, and lower life expectancy found on the South and West sides of Chicago. Similarly, land use data from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning shows a high concentration of industrial activity in these same areas, underscoring the disproportionate environmental and health burdens faced by communities of color.

Friends of the Chicago River supports this proposed ordinance in solidarity with our environmental justice partners. It directly aligns with our goals to advance environmental and public health and centered land-use planning along the entire river system, including our current efforts to provide input into the city’s update to the Calumet Area Land Use Plan and Design Guidelines.

The ordinance has been sent to the Rules Committee and will need 26 votes to move forward as a next step.