Image Source: www.brandonforchicago.com
In a surprise victory, Brandon Johnson, formerly an organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, has just won election as Chicago’s mayor. He ran in part on a program for a “Chicago Green New Deal” which includes:
Support a Just Transition
- Protect frontline workers and community members
- Create a Just Transition Fund
Implement a Green New Deal for Air
- Pass a Cumulative Impact Assessment Ordinance
Implement a Green New Deal for Water
- Implement a fast, equitable, and just replacement of lead service lines
- Improve stormwater management systems to prevent flooded streets
Implement a Green New Deal for Housing
- Support a just transition for buildings to a clean energy future
- Work with diverse stakeholders to pass a Clean and Healthy Buildings Ordinance
Implement a Green New Deal for Education
- Retrofit school buildings to be green schools, rooted in equity
- Make sure CPS curriculum addresses climate justice
- Focus on students developing core skills from STEM to technical training that will power us through the clean energy transition
Green New Deal for Public Transportation
- Create a comprehensive approach to electrification of the CTA
- Prioritize interagency collaboration so city planning centers transit accessibility and increases ridership
Utility Justice
- Center community input in the Com Ed franchise agreement, ensuring Chicagoans get the best deal possible
- Protect low-income households from ComEd’s shutoffs
- Explore municipalization of ComEd
- Ensure our electrical supply is decarbonized by 2040
Source: www.brandonforchicago.com/issues/environmental-justice