Ald. Danny Solis Adds the Clean Power Ordinance to List of Environmental Priorities for the 25th Ward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Alderman Solis is a leader in the fight for environmental issues in the 25th Ward. In addition to creating the first “sustainable streetscape” in the City of Chicago and the development of a protected bike path system, similar to those widely used in Europe, Solis joins the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Doctor’s Council to advocate for the Clean Power Ordinance in Chicago’s City Council. The Clean Power Ordinance addresses air quality issues on Chicago’s Southwest side and strives to improve the health of all Chicago residents.

This announcement follows Solis’ accomplishments with improving the environmental conditions of the 25th Ward, which encompasses Pilsen, Chinatown, Little Italy and University Village. Under the leadership of Alderman Solis, Chicago’s first sustainable streetscape will provide a host of benefits to the environment and area residents. These streets extend along Cermak and Blue Island from Halsted to Wolcott, are created from at least 90% recycled content, conserve energy, manage storm water by diverting rainfall, promote water efficiency with native plantings, as well as encourage the use of public and alternative forms of transportation. The addition of bike lanes and racks throughout the ward contributes to clean air and healthy lifestyles in the area.

The goal of the Clean Power Ordinance is to reduce the amount of particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions into the air from local coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired power plants are the single largest generators of greenhouse gases, which can cause respiratory and other serious health conditions. The SEIU Doctor’s Council and the residents of the 25th Ward have made it clear that this issue must be addressed.

“Resolving this issue can’t wait any longer. The medical experts are clear, this pollution is a danger to all of us,” Solis affirmed.

Solis was reluctant to sign on to the measure because he believed Chicago’s clean air policy could be most comprehensively addressed at the federal level. Today, he no longer believes that is the case as Republicans now control the U.S. House of Representatives and they have voiced no interest in taking up issues related to Chicago’s clean air.

The SEIU Doctor’s Council welcomed Solis’ support for the Clean Power Ordinance highlighting the health issues these power plants can cause the community.
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