Environmental Justice at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC)

I have a question for all of you to think about. Have you ever taken the time to consider the quality of the air you breathe? If your answer was no then consider yourself one of the lucky ones.Yet, for so many communities of color, this question is a major issue due to environmental racism affecting the quality of life they have down to the air they breathe.This is the case for residents of North Minneapolis who breathe in toxin fumes due to the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center.The HERC located in North Minneapolis is one example of how discrimination continues to ravish communities of color. This incinerator releases toxic chemicals daily into the air, affecting predominately low-income communities around North Minneapolis.This tour will touch on aspects of environmental racism and justice while using this public utility location as a site to cultivate conversations surrounding this topic and the importance of advocacy and visibility. Let's get started.