Article and photos by Halle Miroglotta, Loyola University Chicago ’11
Asthma? Check. Lung Cancer? Definitely. On the south side of Chicago, there are two toxic sites that some Chicagoans know nothing about. According to the Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (PERRO), the Fisk and Crawford coal plants, located in the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods, are “the two largest sources of particulate-forming air pollution in Chicago.”
The coal is mined in Wyoming, burned in Chicago, and the energy sold to a community in Pennsylvania. None of the energy from the coal plants stays in the community that is directly and negatively affected by its toxic outputs. Additionally, the workers in the plants are not from Pilsen or Little Village either. Like many other toxic sites and food deserts, Fisk and Crawford “hide” themselves by existing in low-income neighborhoods. In terms of serving local needs, these coal plants are a disaster.
The continued operation of these plants severely threatens Chicago air quality, especially in the areas closest to the smokestacks. According to the EPA, the coal plants combined have emitted 230 lbs of mercury, 17,765 tons of sulfur, and 260,000 lbs of soot. These emissions are linked to over 40 deaths, 550 emergency room visits, and 2,800 asthma attacks annually (Harvard School of Public Health). Because they were built in the 1950s, both the Fisk and Crawford Coal Plants are exempt from federal regulations under the Clean Air Act that ensure both safety and pollution control.
For over a decade, the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) has been fighting hard to bring attention to these issues. With the help of PERRO, the group has uncovered the facts about the Fisk and Crawford power stations, developed tactics for raising community awareness, and engaged local youth in neighborhood activism. Nevertheless, LVEJO and PERRO continue to wait for action and leadership from city government.
As part of a growing coalition, 50 Chicago activists gathered on June 8th in Daley Plaza to demand that politicians bring pressure to close the Fisk and Crawford facilities. The rally functioned as a mock election asking citizens to choose between a clean energy future and a dirty energy past. Overwhelmingly, all but one ballot was cast in favor of closing the plants and transitioning Chicago to a clean energy future.
Mayor Daley, do you hear us?
Students, activists, and local organizations joined forces at Monday’s “election” to stand in solidarity with the directly affected communities. The event was organized by the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO), PERRO, and the Chicago chapter of the Rainforest Action Network. The coalition plans to host elections throughout the summer in efforts to raise awareness and build public support on the issue.
Mayor Daley has the power to close the coal plants, and until this point has been unresponsive to community needs. In a time when politicians around the world are addressing the realities of climate change, dirty coal should have no place in our energy future. We are running out of clean air and need not waste our time, resources, and health investing in a dead end.
All across the country, wind farms and solar panels are popping up. If Chicago touts itself as a green city, Mayor Daley should know we have no business with dirty coal. The time to invest in clean sources of renewable energy is now.
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) works with their families, coworkers, and neighbors to improve our environment and lives in Little Village and throughout Chicago through democracy in action.
P.E.R.R.O. is a group of Pilsen residents that formed in 2004 to fight the disproportionate amount of pollution in the Pilsen neighborhood. Its mission is to increase awareness about the effects of pollution and create a dialogue among residents, businesses, and social and religious organizations in order to promote a better relationship between industry and community and a healthier living environment.
