The City officially opened the application process for the first Environmental Justice Advisory Commission. The commission will provide recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and Office of Sustainability for how to study and address environmental justice issues in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia residents are exposed to many environmental harms due to the city’s industrial past, combined with racial-biased discriminatory policies including zoning, racial covenants, and redlining. Examples of environmental racism are prominent in the Philadelphia area. Black and residents of color, as well as low-income communities, are more likely to live in neighborhoods with environmental hazards and are more vulnerable to climate change.

Residents – especially those from impacted communities – are invited to join the Commission. City Council passed legislation (bill #190703) to create an Environmental Justice Commission in 2020, which provides for resources and compensation for Commission members. They’ll be compensated $240/year for their participation.

“Philadelphia is not immune from the devastating reality that lower-wealth communities and communities of color confront heightened risk in the face of the accelerating climate crisis – the roots of which stem from a legacy of environmental injustice,” said Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Philadelphia Saleem Chapman. “Rectifying the ongoing effects of this legacy is the starting point for placing communities on a path towards a more resilient, equitable future.”

Applications are open through midnight on December 22nd.

Photo: 800 Callowhill Street; Chris Santilli on Unsplash

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher