UNITED CONGREGATIONS OF METRO EAST

Environmental. UCM's work with Environmental Justice includes Environmental Racism which is a form of institutional racism leading to landfills, incinerators and hazardous waste disposal being disproportionately placed in communities of color. UCM has secured grants to fund a comprehensive study through an Air Quality Monitoring Project set to properly identify chemicals and metals in the air in St. Clair and Madison Counties; the dispersement of data about carbonization in Madison County; and the creation of Climate Action Hubs throughout St. Clair and Madison Counties that will offer climate readiness, EJ programs, and resources for community members; and continued efforts to bring fresh food and end flooding, sewage backup, and illegal dumping in St. Clair County. Through these efforts and funding, we were able to hire community organizers dedicated to environmental work and interns from Washington University in St. Louis, MO and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL.