Chicago Environmental Justice Network

The Illinois Environmental Justice Act is a step in breaking down racist practices that have put communities of color at a disadvantage for decades. By increasing community participation and transparency in the industrial permitting process, the act ensures that government agencies take an honest look at the existing pollution in a community before allowing any more industry to pile on. This will bring much-needed equity to a process that has too long put vulnerable communities at risk.

CEJN continues its reflection on the anniversary of the victory to deny the General Iron permit. Here we interview Breanna Bertacchi, member of the Stop General Iron campaign and former hunger striker.

The City of Chicago does not enforce environmental laws in any way that could seriously disrupt the operation of businesses that violate them.

Yesenia Chavez, former Stop General Iron Hunger Striker shares powerful letter reflecting on the two-year anniversary of the hunger strike