President Preckwinkle Speaks To Earth Day Rally

President Preckwinkle joined U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley, Bobby Rush and Jan Schakowsky; Debra Shore from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District; Howard Learner from the Environmental Law and Policy Center and other environmental leaders.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle spoke in front of elected officials, environmental leaders and enthusiastic volunteers at Earth Day Rally Chicago 2016. "I believe that Cook County should be a world class model of sustainability," she declared. "We think big. I set a goal to reduce the County's harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. We've invested in energy efficiency projects to reduce energy use in three-quarters of the County's buildings. Our Forest Preserves created the 21st Century Conservation Plan, which commits to restoring 30,000 acres of natural habitat and acquiring another 21,000 acres."

"We are working with partners to expand opportunities for community solar, so residents can join together to reap the benefits of solar energy systems they might not be able to afford on their own. We're helping West Suburban communities get contaminated brownfields back on the tax rolls, providing jobs. And we have one of the most progressive ordinances in the U.S. to make sure building materials from demolitions are reused or recycled.

"But we are not done. Our call to action is ongoing. We must do even more."