Environmental justice advocates score rare win in Chicago

This coverage is possible thanks to a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit media organization focused on climate solutions and a just future. Register for WBEZ newsletters for trusted local news. Environmental justice activists in Chicago recently celebrated a victory as the U.S. EPA ordered the Illinois EPA to revise its process for permitting polluting industries in residential areas. The decision came after protests against the relocation of General Iron to the city’s Southeast Side. The resolution mandates significant changes to the air-permitting process, providing hope for environmental justice communities. The settlement requires the Illinois EPA to consider community input and the history of companies applying for permits, especially for known polluters like General Iron. Despite the struggles faced by activists in civil rights complaints, this outcome is seen as a step in the right direction. The fight against pollution in communities of color continues, with activists using Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to combat discriminatory practices. While the EPA has shown a commitment to environmental justice, successful resolutions are rare, making this victory in Chicago significant. The battle against polluting industries in vulnerable communities is ongoing, but progress is being made through collective action and advocacy.