Overview

• Sims Metal Management, located in Pilsen, seeks a new operating permit despite past environmental law violations.
• Community groups argue that Sims should not receive a new permit until it installs emission control equipment as promised.
• Federal air monitoring around the facility has not detected dangerous pollution levels, but testing will continue as new controls are implemented.
• Activists highlight a previous agreement with the EPA and a lawsuit by the Illinois Attorney General as evidence of Sims' recurring non-compliance.
• Mayor Johnson faces pressure to uphold a HUD agreement to reform zoning and land-use practices that disproportionately affect low-income communities of color.