West Cook News

Cook County's Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) has released the findings from its Environmental Justice Survey, which was initiated in June 2024. The survey aimed to gather input from residents and workers in Cook County regarding environmental concerns impacting their communities. This feedback is intended to assist the county in forming an environmental justice policy that will influence programming and decision-making within the Offices Under the President.

Environmental justice plays a significant role in DES’s mission and aligns with the objectives outlined in the Cook County Policy Roadmap. The roadmap emphasizes equitable investment across the county to tackle historical disinvestment and pollution burdens. Addressing environmental inequities and preparing for climate change challenges are central to this roadmap.

The survey received 1,158 responses, providing insights into various issues such as access to clean drinking water, safe housing, and healthy food. It also highlighted regional differences in concerns within the county and included a map showing response origins by zip code. Suggestions for addressing these issues focused on regulation, industry involvement, transportation, community engagement, disinvested areas, flooding, among others.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle emphasized the importance of resident feedback: “Establishing an environmental justice policy is a priority for my administration and feedback from our residents is vital in ensuring that those who are impacted by our policies have a real voice in helping to shape them."

A draft of this policy is expected to be released publicly in early 2025, followed by town hall meetings and another survey for additional public input.

Environment and Sustainability Chair Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen expressed enthusiasm about the survey results: “As an environmental engineer, environmental justice is always top of mind for me...I am thrilled to see the environmental justice survey responses released.”

Vice-Chair Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita noted: “This survey illustrates that fighting climate change and advancing environmental justice is a priority for Cook County residents...These results call for a robust and multifaceted approach to environmental justice for Cook County.”

The development of an environmental justice policy was advocated in several county initiatives including the COVID-19 Response Plan, Equity Fund Taskforce recommendations, and Board Resolution 23-1092.

For further details on Cook County’s upcoming environmental justice policy initiatives, more information can be accessed through their official channels.