Congressman García's Statement on Sims Metal & General Iron

Statement

Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement about Sims Metal Management and General Iron Industries Incorporated's intentions to establish plants in Chicago's Southeast and Southwest sides, including his district:

"I stand in solidarity and echo the concerns of Southwest side residents and environmental groups as Sims Metal and General Iron apply for new operating permits. Our communities understand the severe health impacts pollution inflicts when our water, soil, and air quality are left unprotected and negligent corporations are left unchecked.

"Sims Metal and General Iron have abysmal track records when it comes to the environment and the safety of the communities they enter. I join my constituents in calling for a resounding rejection of the applications for new permits. Our communities deserve better, particularly Latino and Black residents who experience higher rates of respiratory illness from polluting facilities.

"As we commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let's recall his insistence that social justice cannot be achieved without environmental justice and universal access to clean air, water, and soil. I urge Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Dr. Allison Arwady to listen to public health experts, community leaders, and citizen activists urging the City to deny the permits and protect the health of Chicago residents."

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