Join Philly PA IPL for our Monthly Chapter Meeting taking place on Tuesday, March 8th at 7:00pm!

Philadelphia’s Community Health Act Will Address Environmental Injustice

Any plans to address climate change and shift our economy to clean energy must consider the impacts that burning fossil fuels and production of other industrial pollutants have had on the health and well-being of Philadelphians. Policies must redress this environmental injustice. The March meeting of PA IPL’s Philadelphia Chapter will address this topic. Our guest, Andres Celin, Outreach Director for City Councilmember Helen Gym, will discuss the proposed Community Health Act and the impact it could have addressing pollution and health threats in urban communities. Please join us for this timely and important discussion.

Andres Celin Bio:
Andres Celin has spent a decade working in education, youth development, social services, and community organizing in the Latino community in North Philadelphia. He is currently the Outreach Director for City Councilmember Helen Gym and is a Certified Trauma-informed Trainer/Practitioner with Lakeside Global Institute. Prior to his current role, Andres was the Lead Organizer at Youth United for Change, where he worked to develop the political leadership of young people in Kensington. He has a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Haverford College, and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Community Health Act Description:
Councilmember Gym has introduced legislation aimed at redressing the environmental injustices suffered by Black and Brown communities historically overburdened by pollution. The Community Health Act would require the identification and mapping of ‘environmental justice communities’ based on past, present, and future pollution, environmental stressors, health vulnerabilities, and demographic factors.  Any permits for industrial use in or near these communities would require the City to conduct a “cumulative impact assessment” that looks at the actual impact of pollution in context before granting an approval — and empower the City to require mitigating steps to prevent harm.

We look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday, March 8th at 7:00pm via Zoom. If you can't attend but would like to get a recording, please register and we will eventually get you the recording or at least the Chat list of recommended reading.

Register below and receive an email providing the Zoom link for the meeting.

There is no fee for this program, but a suggested $5 donation will help us keep doing this work.