Most Democratic National Convention (DNC) visitors will likely not see the deep divisions that exist in our city, especially the sacrifice zones that so many Chicagoans live in. There is a long legacy of environmental racism in our city, but that doesn’t mean that has to be the way things always will be. 

I sincerely believe that we have innovative solutions that could serve as a model for other major cities across the country.

For decades, industrial facilities, waste sites, and other sources of pollution have been concentrated in neighborhoods of color, leading to severe health disparities. Residents in areas like the South and West Sides have suffered from higher rates of asthma, cancer, and other pollution-related illnesses compared to their wealthier, predominantly white counterparts.

I see it all the time. So many of my friends have asthma and other illnesses that are likely linked to the pollution that surrounds our homes, schools and parks. 

The Cumulative Impacts Ordinance is one of the bold solutions coming from environmental justice advocates in Chicago. This ordinance will address the layered and overlapping effects of pollution in vulnerable communities. Unlike traditional regulations that consider the impact of individual sources of pollution, the cumulative impacts approach takes into account the total burden of pollution from all sources. This comprehensive strategy is crucial for communities that are already overburdened by environmental hazards.

Without such innovative solutions, the disparities between Chicago’s neighborhoods will only worsen. There’s a literal mine, like one you would imagine being proposed a century ago, that is being proposed for the Southeast Side Chicago. And these types of projects are not likely to stop unless there are policies that prevent horrible facilities like these from continuing to threaten our community.

By considering the full scope of pollution, this ordinance actually protect our health.

The DNC presents a unique opportunity to highlight these issues and solutions on a national stage. With the country watching, Chicago can demonstrate how to tackle environmental racism head-on. The cumulative impacts ordinance could inspire other cities with similar histories to adopt comprehensive measures to protect their most vulnerable residents.

A significant step towards addressing these injustices came with the recent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) settlement, which resolved a civil rights complaint against the city for perpetuating environmental racism. This settlement requires Chicago to take measures to reduce the environmental impacts on its most vulnerable communities, highlighting the urgency of the issue. 

However, Chicago's progress stands in stark contrast to other regions where similar cases remain unresolved. For instance, civil rights cases filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Louisiana and Michigan have stalled due to opposition from Republican officials, leaving communities in these states without the protections they desperately need.

Environmental justice is not just a local issue, cities across the country, from Detroit to New Orleans, face similar challenges of environmental racism. The policies and solutions being developed in Chicago can serve as a blueprint for these cities. By centering environmental justice at the DNC, the Democratic Party can showcase its commitment to equity and health for all Americans.

Community leaders, activists, and residents who have experienced the brunt of environmental racism must be at the forefront of these discussions, especially at the DNC. Their experiences and insights are invaluable in crafting policies that truly address the needs of the people.

Incorporating environmental justice into the national conversation is also politically strategic. Voters are increasingly concerned about climate change and environmental health. Demonstrating a commitment to these issues can galvanize support and mobilize communities that have historically been disenfranchised.

Chicago’s history of environmental racism and the innovative solutions being proposed, such as the cumulative impacts ordinance, offer a roadmap for other cities. With the nation watching, the DNC can amplify the urgent need for environmental justice and position the Democratic Party as a champion of equitable and sustainable communities. This moment is an opportunity to commit to a future where all Americans, regardless of race or income, can enjoy the right to a healthy environment.