Should Poorer Cincinnatians Be Protected from Pollution?

Environmental Justice is about keeping already polluted neighborhoods from having to accept more polluting neighbors – usually industry, not a family of 12 or more. The myth that jobs will be lost and businesses will choose other locations (taking their precious tax dollars with them) is one of several objections used to support placing polluting companies in “overburdened” areas.

Nobody wants to see Hyde Park spoiled by such things as noxious odors and toxic streams. But that’s just our opinion.

“Hear both sides of the proposed Environmental Justice Ordinance,” per the Woman’s City Club (WCC) – the group will host an open discussion on Dec. 3 at the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, (103 William Howard Taft Rd, east of Auburn Ave.)

Speakers scheduled to talk are Councilmember and Vice Mayor David Crowley, the EJ ordinance sponsor, and Councilmember Chris Monzel, ordinance opponent.

“Background: a 2007 report by the American Lung Institute lists Cincinnati as number eight on the list of cities with the worst annual particle pollution or ‘soot,’” says a press release from the WCC. “In 2006, … Cincinnati ranked 11th nationally for exceeding federal health standards for soot.

“Neighborhoods hit worst include Northside, Winton Place and Price Hill.”

The forum run 7 - 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. There is free parking behind the church.