Chicago Sustainability Czar Focusing on Climate, Justice Issues

Chicago’s new sustainability chief grew up on the city’s Southwest Side, once known for the many steel mills that polluted the air.

The experience helps Angela Tovar focus her work on environmental justice.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity to impact the daily lives and vibrancy of our community residents. The decisions we make, or don’t make, impact the lives of our neighbors,” Tovar said in an interview shortly after starting her job in June as a liaison between Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office and community organizations to establish and enforce environmental policy.

“The plan is to center our climate and sustainability agenda ...