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Dear Neighbors,
The Committee on Environment had a busy February. On February 3, it held its first Committee meeting of 2026, where it passed a resolution sponsored by Alderman Hopkins expressing support for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) reclamation study, and a resolution by Alderman Knudsen recognizing the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Bird Alliance for launching a rodent contraceptive pilot program.
On February 19, the Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board held its first meeting in 2026. Staff also attended meetings for various working groups, including for the Urban Forestry Advisory Board, the Defusing Disasters working group, and the Future of Gas workshops. Read more about those efforts below.
Finally, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will host its next committee meeting on Tuesday, March 3, at 11 am in Room 201A at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle. Peoples Gas, Local 18007, Illinois PIRG, and Citizens Utility Board will be in attendance for a subject matter hearing on Peoples Gas' rate increase filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and to hear updates on its Pipe Retirement Program (PRP). For information on how to attend a committee meeting or submit public comment, click here.
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- Monday, March 2:
Pulaski Day
- Tuesday, March 3, 11:00 a.m., City Hall, Room 201A:
Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy
- Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 p.m., Sullivan High School:
49th Ward Town Hall
- Wednesday, March 18, 10:00 a.m., City Council Chambers:
City Council Meeting
- Thursday, March 26, 9:30 a.m., City Hall, Room 1103:
Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting
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This Month's Happenings With EPE
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Here's a little bit of what EPE staff were up to this month:
- Urban Forestry Advisory Board Policy Working Group - Staff attended a policy working group meeting, where members are discussing draft language for a Heritage Tree Ordinance.
- Defusing Disasters - Staff attended the Defusing Disasters policy working group, which is finalizing a white paper on the urban heat island effect and legislative avenues to mitigate its impacts.
- Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board - Staff prepared a presentation for the CSAB meeting to help Board Members consider which issues they'd like to weigh in on moving forward.
- Future of Gas Workshop - Staff attended the Future of Gas workshops convened by the Illinois Commerce Commission. This month, different organizations shared presentations on non-pipe energy alternatives.
- Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council - Staff attended a meeting of the Illinois Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council, which shared updates on municipal survey outreach to better understand how recycling systems and challenges vary from town to town.
- Meeting with Elevated - Chairwoman Hadden and staff met with Elevated to discuss housing and transit policy and how these policies intersect with environmental issues.
- DePaul Class Visit - Chief of Staff and Policy Director Leslie Perkins spoke with environmental policy students at DePaul University on a variety of issues facing the city, from cumulative impacts to Peoples Gas' rate-hike request.
- Bird Friendly Design Working Group - Deputy Director of Policy, Gina Parra-Hughes, convened the bird-friendly design working group this month to finalize an outline for a toolkit that will go live later this spring.
- Illinois Environmental Council Fundraiser - Chairwoman Hadden and her staff attended the Illinois Environmental Council's HamBINGO fundraising event at Hamburger Mary's.
- Loyola University's Inside Government Panel: Chief of Staff Leslie Perkins will join Jenn Walling from the Illinois Environmental Council this week to discuss future environmental policy at the city and state level.
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Committee on Environment will Hold Hearing on Peoples Gas' Rate Hike Filing on March 3
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The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will hold a hearing on People Gas' rate hike filing and Pipe Retirement Program (PRP) on Tuesday, March 3, at 11 am, in Room 201A at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle. Peoples Gas consumers may also make their opinions heard on the rate hike filing on the ICC's website under docket number 26-0065.
On January 5, Peoples Gas filed a request for a $202 million rate increase with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) starting in 2027. According to their filing, this would result in an approximate $11 more per month for residential customers; for commercial and business accounts, that impact is often double. The rate request comes on the heels of the previously approved $306 million rate increase (which was $96 million less than Peoples Gas's $402 million rate increase at the time), which will begin to be reflected on customers' bills starting this month.
In its filing, Peoples Gas provided two categories to further detail its reasoning for another rate increase:
- Infrastructure costs related to its Pipe Retirement Program (PRP), which requires Peoples Gas to retire and replace at-risk natural gas pipes by 2034
- Increased costs related to debt and common equity for Peoples Gas over the levels previously approved in 2015
In February 2025, the ICC issued a ruling on the PRP after having paused it in November 2023 due to mismanagement. In its 2025 ruling, the ICC permitted Peoples Gas to resume work within a limited scope. Instead of replacing its entire gas pipe system, as Peoples Gas' initial request would have permitted, the ICC ruled that Peoples Gas is only to retire at-risk gas pipes that present an acute safety risk by the end of 2034. The February 2025 ruling meant that Peoples Gas could no longer combine at-risk pipe replacement with a broader system conversion, as it had been doing previously before pausing the program in 2023. At the time of the ruling, this amounted to approximately 1,100 miles of pipes in need of retirement. The ICC also appointed a safety monitor to the PRP to create additional oversight and accountability.
The second stated reason for the rate hike request is that the company is paying more toward debt service than before, which is affecting its approved equity levels. In its ruling, Peoples Gas states that at the current approved utility rate, it would earn a return on equity of 5.49% in 2027, compared to the authorized 9.38% equity return in its 2024 rate case.
Peoples Gas' parent company, WEC Energy Group, reported approximately $1.2 billion in profits in the first nine months of 2025. These record-breaking profits simply do not align with its position that the utility company is struggling. Furthermore, the rate filing request asks consumers to continue contributing to the profits of the fossil fuel industry while they simultaneously face expenses for its disastrous impacts on the climate, from emergency responses to extreme weather events to higher home insurance costs.
Instead of providing a pathway to reduce their emissions, we see gas tycoons coming to working-class families in Chicago, once again asking for a handout. It is an unconscionable ask, given the record profits these corporations are already raking in, against the backdrop of climate change-related disasters compounding each year. In addition, Chicagoans are seeing a spike in household expenses across the board, from increased electricity costs due to data center usage to the property tax burden shifting from businesses to private homeowners in the latest reassessment.
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Chairwoman Hadden and the City Council celebrated and thanked Joe McCarthy during the February City Council meeting. Joe served the City of Chicago as an urban forester for over 35 years. He led the fight against the invasive Asian Long-Horned Beetle, which earned him the nickname "Beetle Joe." He shared his expertise and knowledge of urban forestry with many arborists, both locally and nationally, throughout his tenure, helping inform and shape local policy and practices.
As the City's senior forester, he served on the Urban Forestry Advisory Board and was instrumental in securing funds to complete Chicago's tree inventory. Joe's service and dedication to our city are felt daily by Chicagoans enjoying our urban canopy, as Joe brought to life Chicago's motto of "urbs in horto" or "City in a Garden."
Thank you, Joe, for your service! And congratulations on your retirement!
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Shoreline Advisory Board Meeting Met on February 19
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The Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board held its first meeting of 2026 on February 19. The Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board, championed by Alderwoman Hadden, unanimously passed City Council in September 2024. Alderwoman Hadden introduced the legislation establishing the advisory board after having first-hand experience navigating the complex systems of the multi-jurisdictional environmental asset during historically high lake levels in 2019 and 2020.
During its first meeting of the year, the Chicago Park District shared updates on its Shoreline Resiliency Assessment. This assessment was launched in 2020 after the City experienced record-high lake levels. It will provide a comprehensive picture of the Park District's property abutting Lake Michigan to help any future planning or response efforts.
The Department of Environment also shared an update on its data center working group. The working group has been researching the impacts of the proliferation of data centers across the country so it can make specific policy recommendations to Chicago legislators that balance environmental protection with economic development opportunities. The report is required by ordinance and will be due in the summer. The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will hold a subject matter hearing on its findings once they become available.
Finally, before the meeting began, the members of the audience were invited to share public comments. The throughline in every public comment was that they felt excluded from the decision-making processes affecting our shoreline. The public sentiment echoes what we heard and experienced in our own ward with historically high lake levels and the Army Corps' Shoreline Study. Given the multi-jurisdictional state of Lake Michigan, efforts surrounding it are often siloed, fragmented, and opaque. Chairwoman Hadden and her team's experience navigating these complex system were the nexus for Chairwoman Hadden to introduce legislation establishing the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is meant to provide a space where Chicagoans' voices can be centered and more transparency can be brought to issues facing our shoreline.
During its first meeting of 2026, Alderwoman Hadden shared a presentation reminding the Advisory Board of its purpose and goals, underscoring the public comments heard at the top of the meeting. She highlighted three opportunity areas for the Advisory Board to explore as a body to reach consensus recommendations, including the Army Corps' Shoreline Study, the Park District's Shoreline Resiliency Assessment, and the Department of Transportation's Redefine the Drive proposal. She also shared a proposed structure for future working groups, which could include public participation and guide Advisory Board members toward consensus recommendations. The Urban Forestry Advisory Board, of which Chairwoman Hadden also sits, has working groups that have successfully advised on a number of legislative and educational issues.
The Board is required to meet quarterly beginning. To view Board members, meeting minutes, and future meeting dates, visit the Shoreline Advisory Board's page on the City of Chicago's website here.
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Vote to Override Mayoral Veto on Hemp Ban Fails
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An effort to override Mayor Johnson's veto on Alderman Quinn's ordinance that would prohibit the sale of hemp-derived products in Chicago failed to receive enough votes this month. A mayoral veto override must receive 2/3 of City Council's approval, or 34 votes, to pass. The override motion received only 26 votes, with Alderwoman Hadden voting no.
In January, a substitute ordinance prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived products in Chicago passed the full City Council. The substitute ordinance made carve-outs for specific uses, including beverages containing hemp, medical topical ointments, and hemp products for pets. Alderwoman Hadden voted no on the ordinance in January, instead calling on her colleagues to consider alternatives that would address legitimate safety concerns while minimizing the negative impacts the proposal would have on good-actor small businesses.
Alderwoman Hadden shared concerns that the substitute ordinance used an overly broad definition of prohibited products, disallowing products capable of producing a psychoactive effect. While CBD does not generate a high that legalized cannabis does, it does affect the central nervous system and is therefore technically psychoactive. This means that Chicago consumers seeking the medicinal benefits of CBD without the high that comes with THC will lose access to many CBD products.
While the stated purpose of the ordinance was to improve safety, the carve-out for intoxicating beverages undermined this goal. Allowing one use of hemp products while banning others is inconsistent. Furthermore, there is no rational safety basis provided for the exclusion of certain hemp products, such as gummies, while allowing for intoxicating beverages. Instead, the ordinance favored the alcoholic beverage industry, favoring big business over small business.
Finally, there is a bipartisan movement in Washington to establish clear regulation, with hemp-related language in the 2025 FDA spending bill that is set to reshape the market. Instead of banning hemp and CBD products outright, Chicago can work towards more common-sense regulations that align with federal efforts. These include limiting sales to individuals over 21, eliminating misleading advertising and look-alike labels, and increasing transparency in potency testing.
The ordinance would have forced many small, locally owned businesses to close and eliminated thousands of jobs. It would have also driven consumers seeking CBD and hemp products to the neighboring suburbs, resulting in a loss of revenue for the city. Chicago's financial health cannot afford to cut off another source of revenue. Instead, we should be working towards common-sense regulations that create jobs, support small businesses, and generate sustainable tax revenue for the city. Alderwoman Hadden is committed to working closely with affected businesses, the Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association, and her colleagues in City Council to introduce an ordinance that balances safety concerns with common-sense regulations.
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Ordinance Granting Investigative Jurisdiction to COPA for Welcoming Ordinance Violations by CPD Blocked for Final Vote
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An ordinance granting investigative authority to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) for complaints alleging police violations of Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance was deferred and published by Alderwoman Tabares, Alderman Beale, Alderman Napolitano, and Alderman Lopez, blocking it from a vote in City Council.
The ordinance was introduced by Alderperson Fuentes after the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights held a hearing in July 2025, during which it was revealed that there was no designated body to investigate allegations of cooperation between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and federal immigration enforcement agents. Chicago's Welcoming Ordinance clearly outlines the roles of the CPD and other local governmental bodies in such incidents, which strictly prohibit CPD officers from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in civil immigration enforcement actions
Alderwoman Hadden co-sponsored the ordinance and will vote in favor of it when it comes before the full City Council again for a final vote.
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Spotlight on EJ Community Work
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Network 49 Environmental Justice Committee Secures Funding for a Miyawaki Mini-Forest
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Network 49's Environmental Justice Committee received funds from The Awesome Project to build a Miyawaki mini-forest at Jordan Community School. Similar to the trellises of their Vine Trellis Project, these mini-forests offer a low-cost, community-driven solution to rising heat loads on buildings and streetscapes. Jordan plans to use their Miyawaki mini-forest as a pilot project, with the hope of expanding it to an area of Pottawatomie Park.
Learn more about The Awesome Foundation and the Miyawaki mini-forest project here.
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Share Your Favorite Environmental Organization
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This year, the Committee on Environment is looking for more opportunities to engage with Environmental Justice organizations and spotlight their great work throughout the city. Each month, we'll share information on different organizations, their mission, goals, and how to get involved.
Do you have an organization you think should be highlighted? Share it with us at this link!
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In Other Environmental News
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Green Homes Application Open Through February 27
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The Chicago Dept. of Housing’s (DOH) is opening an upcoming intake period for Green Homes Chicago (GHC) -a program that provides free home energy upgrades and energy efficiency retrofits to a limited number of income-eligible homeowners across Chicago, including new insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems. Interested homeowners must register during the upcoming intake period for a chance to apply for the service. Registration will be open from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026. There may be additional intake periods in the future, based on interest during this period and available funds.
This program will be open to residents who own and occupy a 1–2-unit property in the City of Chicago and meet the income guidelines. Households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) are eligible to participate in the program. Homes will be screened for physical condition and feasibility for cost-effective electrification; not every selected homeowner will end up being served.
You can apply for this service here.
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Greencorps Chicago is Now Recruiting!
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Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps Chicago is currently recruiting potential candidates for this year’s Employment & Training Program. More information and how to apply can be found on the attached flyer and at https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
During the nine-month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees earn a starting wage of $18.50. Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, professional development, and classroom & field training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Trainees are offered several professional certifications, including Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, and the Illinois Pesticide license. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services, a stable income, and assistance in finding full-time employment upon completion of the program.
For more info, please see: https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply/.
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Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Signing Up for the Citywide Composting Program
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In the fall of 2023, the Department of Street and Sanitation (DSS) announced its first-ever citywide composting initiative, a Food Scrap Drop-Off program, which allows all Chicago residents to bring their household food scraps to a drop-off location located throughout the city.
Since rolling out the program, over 6,000 households have signed up to participate, and over 300 tons of food have been diverted from landfills! That is the equivalent of approximately 24,000 gallons of gasoline!
Due to the success of the program, Streets and Sanitation expanded its drop-off locations to include three more sites, for a total of 20 sites across the city, including one at 6447 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Rogers Park! Participation is easy! Simply sign up for a nearby drop-off location, collect food in sealed containers, and bring the collected materials to the green carts at the drop-off sites. Upon collection, these materials are transferred to a composting facility, where food scraps are processed into compost, a valuable product that looks and smells like rich soil and can be used to improve soil health.
The 20 food scrap drop-off sites are:
- Avondale – 3143 N. Rockwell St
- Belmont Cragin – 5605 W. Grand Ave
- Bowmanville – 5333 N. Western Ave
- Brighton Park – 3359 S. Maplewood Ave
- Edgewater – 5853 N. Broadway
- Englewood – 611 W. 69th St
- Garfield Ridge – 5600 S. Central Ave
- Grand Boulevard – 4352 S. Cottage Grove Ave
- Irving Park – 4605 W. Lawrence Ave
- Logan Square –2460 W. Cortland
- Lower West Side – 1944 W. Cullerton St
- Morgan Park – 11059 S. Homewood Ave
- Near South Side – 1758 S. Clark St
- North Lawndale - 1817 S. Pulaski Rd
- Norwood Park – 6453 W. Higgins Ave
- Pullman - 1012 E. 103rd St
- Rogers Park - 6447 N. Ravenswood
- West Edelson – 3720 W. 55th St
- West Englewood – 1756 W. 74th St
- West Town – 2505 W. Grand Ave
All kinds of food scraps are accepted with the program, including meat, bones, and dairy, as well as fruit and vegetable scraps and old leftovers. A full list of accepted and unaccepted items is available here.
Food in our landfills contributes more to methane emissions than any other landfill materials. Composting is one simple way that Chicago can reduce its emissions while enriching our soil for future produce.
For more information on recycling and the Food Scrap Drop-Off program, including drop-off sites and where to sign up, please visit www.chicagorecycles.org and view the educational video.
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Follow the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy on Social Media!
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Chairwoman Hadden launched social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook for the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy!
Make sure to follow these accounts to stay updated on:
- Updates on EPE happenings
- Legislative progress
- Committee Hearings
- Urban Forestry Board updates
- Shoreline Advisory Board Updates
- City Council Recaps
- And more!
- Environmental Justice News
- Local, State, Federal and Global updates!
- City Council Happenings
- Recap videos
- Updates on important legislative happenings
You can find us on Instagram @chicagoepe and on Facebook at Chicago Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy.
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