As outlined in the City of Chicago’s 2023 Cumulative Impacts Assessment, cumulative pollution is correlated with high asthma rates, cancer clusters, and other illnesses related to overexposure to industrial toxins. Chicago residents live in these "sacrifice zones," especially low-income, Black and brown communities. Commonsense changes to Chicago’s zoning policies can ensure that the public health of communities are prioritized in zoning decisions.

The Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance (O2025-0016697), named after the late Chicagoan and mother of the environmental justice movement Hazel M. Johnson, is a citywide policy designed to protect communities from unfair pollution burdens by considering the combined effects of multiple pollution sources—such as traffic, industrial plants, and other environmental stressors—on public health. This ordinance strengthens the zoning process for industries and facilities with the highest potential for pollution, ensuring a more thorough review before approval and promoting a fairer, healthier, and safer Chicago. It encourages innovation and cleaner practices from industry, while creating clarity for manufacturers, residents, and city officials alike.

Chicago can address cumulative pollution as the public health crisis it is by reforming its zoning laws. The transparent and fair approach to permitting outlined in the ordinance will bring community members and alders to the table for a process that helps ensure every Chicagoan lives in an environment that safeguards their health.

I urge you to co-sponsor and vote yes on the Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance (O2025-0016697).

As outlined in the City of Chicago’s 2023 Cumulative Impacts Assessment, cumulative pollution is correlated with high asthma rates, cancer clusters, and other illnesses related to overexposure to industrial toxins. Chicago residents live in these "sacrifice zones," especially low-income, Black and brown communities. Commonsense changes to Chicago’s zoning policies can ensure that the public health of communities are prioritized in zoning decisions.

The Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance (O2025-0016697), named after the late Chicagoan and mother of the environmental justice movement Hazel M. Johnson, is a citywide policy designed to protect communities from unfair pollution burdens by considering the combined effects of multiple pollution sources—such as traffic, industrial plants, and other environmental stressors—on public health. This ordinance strengthens the zoning process for industries and facilities with the highest potential for pollution, ensuring a more thorough review before approval and promoting a fairer, healthier, and safer Chicago. It encourages innovation and cleaner practices from industry, while creating clarity for manufacturers, residents, and city officials alike.

Chicago can address cumulative pollution as the public health crisis it is by reforming its zoning laws. The transparent and fair approach to permitting outlined in the ordinance will bring community members and alders to the table for a process that helps ensure every Chicagoan lives in an environment that safeguards their health.

Thank you for being a co-sponsor on the Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance (O2025-0016697).