CM Jamal Osman Stands in Solidarity with Minneapolis Neighbors Against HERC Incinerator
CM Jamal Osman Stands in Solidarity with Minneapolis Neighbors Against HERC Incinerator
August 16, 2023 — Minneapolis, MN — Council Member Jamal Osman (DFL, W6) is standing united with the Minneapolis community in the battle against the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) trash incinerator, an issue of critical importance that goes beyond immediate environmental concerns. Nestled near Minneapolis' iconic Target Field, between Downtown and North Minneapolis, HERC has been a persistent source of health-damaging air pollutants for over three decades.
Constructed in 1989, HERC has incinerated an astounding 1,000 tons of waste nearly every day, releasing hazardous air toxins into a densely populated urban community. The 3-mile radius surrounding HERC bears a heavy concentration of low-income households, surpassing 89 percent of the state, and a disproportionately high percentage of people of color, exceeding 90 percent of the state. This alarming demographic disparity underscores the urgency of dismantling HERC, an emblem of environmental injustice.
Despite passionate opposition, HERC was intentionally sited within an already overburdened community, burdened with the highest asthma hospitalization rate in the state and a legacy of segregation. The choice of this location reflects a troubling pattern of avoiding affluent neighborhoods while imposing environmental hazards on vulnerable populations.
Within this challenging context, Council Member Jamal Osman wholeheartedly supports the call for action against HERC, recognizing the immediate need to address the profound health challenges confronting neighboring communities.
"The imperative to safeguard our community's well-being is paramount. The threats posed by the HERC incinerator's emissions demand our immediate attention," emphasized Osman. "This is a matter of public health and equity that transcends mere environmental concerns."
Dr. Loretta Akpala, a resident physician from north Minneapolis, recounted a poignant firsthand account during the recent board meeting, detailing the harmful health impacts directly attributable to HERC's emissions. Dr. Akpala underscored the presence of detrimental gases such as nitrous oxide and sulfates, closely linked to respiratory afflictions such as asthma.
"Our community is facing a critical health crisis, and we are morally obligated to confront it head-on," asserted Dr. Akpala.
HERC's role in exacerbating air pollution cannot be understated. As one of the county's leading sources of air toxin emissions, it stands as a top contributor to various pollutants identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:
The foremost emitter of nitrogen oxides
The second largest emitter of sulfur dioxide
The second highest emitter of PM2.5
The third highest emitter of lead
The fourth highest emitter of PM10
The sixth highest emitter of carbon monoxide
Throughout Minneapolis, environmental justice groups - including the Minnesota Environmental Justice Table and Sierra Club North Star Chapter - are raising their voices, advocating for an end to trash incineration and calling for the closure of the HERC.
Their concerns were brought to the forefront during yesterday's Hennepin County Board of Commissioners meeting, resonating with a resounding plea against the HERC incinerator.
CM Osman stands shoulder to shoulder with these advocates, amplifying their call for change. Jamal fully supports the community's call to action against the HERC, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the significant health challenges faced by neighboring communities.
With nearly 49% of the residents near the HERC being low-income individuals and people of color, this also underscores an issue of equity. This stark disparity serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address environmental injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities - shedding light on a broader issue of systemic inequity.
Jamal's commitment to this cause extends beyond mere rhetoric, and he is gratified to have been able to offer his support to the activists and residents advocating against the HERC incinerator.
"I stand alongside our neighbors, adding my voice to the chorus of those demanding cleaner air, improved health, and a more promising, sustainable future," stated Osman. "This collective endeavor exemplifies the resilience of our community coming together to drive substantial change."
The call for dismantling the HERC incinerator aligns with the unwavering dedication of environmental justice groups and community members alike, echoing their concerns regarding public health and the dire repercussions of air pollution on vulnerable populations.
CM Osman stated:
"As we work towards a cleaner and healthier Minneapolis, we must remember that our efforts today lay the foundation for a thriving tomorrow. Let us join hands - and hearts - united in the pursuit of a greener and more just city."
CM Osman is an unwavering advocate for Ward 6 on the Minneapolis City Council. He is dedicated to championing neighborhoods that are environmentally sustainable and resilient in the face of the ongoing climate crisis. Guided by a vision of an equitable and flourishing community, Jamal stands in solidarity with fellow community members in their steadfast pursuit of a cleaner, healthier Minneapolis.
Please Rank #1 CM Jamal Osman for City Council - and Let's Re-elect a Ward 6 Democrat Fighting for Renters, Workers and Neighborhoods!
###
Resources & Background
For more information on this article, please visit:
*For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Osman Volunteer Committee
Communications Lead
info@jamalosman.org