 Campaigns > Statewide Pilot Programs > Ohio
Ohio
Health, Environment and Justice News from Ohio:
What is the Complexion for protection? Environmental Racism Revealed
[pdf document] See page 12.
Plant to fix 1 pollution issue: Columbus Steel will recycle water, pay fine
A South Side foundry still faces state accusations of air pollution but has agreed to fix a water-pollution problem that dates back 18 years.
Ohio sues Shelly asphalt company for violating pollution rules
An Ohio asphalt company that drew federal scrutiny over neighborhood complaints of foul odors and pollution is being sued by the state...(read more)
About the Ohio Campaign:
CHEJ is working with Ohio-based groups, including Ohioans for Health, Environment, and Justice, in sparking a statewide conversation about the need for a state Environmental Justice Policy. Through community forums held throughout the state, we will facilitate the building of a state-level environmental justice policy from the ground up.
Community leaders are our experts who fight on the front lines against existing or proposed serious environmental health threats. Their expertise will guide the development of a policy that fully addresses the needs of Ohioans, which we will then bring Governor Strickland and the State Legislature.
Three forums have already been held in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Future forums are in the works. At each of these forums, a small number of speakers briefly describe the problems of local communities, the failure of the federal environmental justice program and Ohio EPA to address the needs of communities at risk.
After the speakers are finished, forum participants break into small groups to discuss and brainstorm what should be in a state policy that would ensure environmental justice for Ohio families. For example, what should a public participation program look like? Or what mechanisms should be in place to ensure that the state's environmental laws are enforced? Forum organizers will carry the voices and ideas from the first forum to the second, and from the second to the third forum and so on. Each forum will build on the information and ideas from the last forum—like bricks in a foundation.
When the forums are concluded, a statewide meeting will review the information gathered throughout the year, expand on sections/ideas, add what might be missing and then transform the final document into draft language for a state Environmental Justice Policy.
In 2008, open public meetings around the proposed draft policy were held.
> See other local grassroots work in Ohio.
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