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Dear Neighbors,
Spring is officially here, which means Earth Day and Arbor Day are just around the corner. Are you looking for meaningful ways to celebrate? Consider some of the following opportunities:
- Sign up for the citywide Clean and Green event on April 18
- Pitch in at a local park for an Earth Day cleanup on April 18
- Sign up for a 5k for Earth Day in Humboldt Park on April 19
- Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting Earth Week April 20-26, featuring free activities and events
- One Earth is hosting its 15th annual film festival April 22-27
- The Morton Arboretum is holding its Arbor Day Plant Sale on April 23-26
- The Institute of Cultural Affairs is hosting its 4th annual Earth Day Celebration on April 25
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- Wednesday, April 15, 10:00 a.m., City Council Chambers:
City Council Meeting
- Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.:
49th Ward annual Clean and Green
- Saturday, April 18:
Earth Day Park Clean Up (Registration)
- Wednesday, April 22:
Earth Day
- Friday, April 24:
Arbor Day
- Wednesday, April 30, 9:30 a.m., City Hall, Room 1103:
Urban Forestry Advisory Board Meeting
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Committee on Environment Held Hearing
on Peoples Gas' Rate Hike Filing
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In March, the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy held a subject matter hearing on Peoples Gas' rate hike filing and updates on its Pipe Retirement Program.
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
During the hearing in the Committee on Environment, members and representatives from Peoples Gas, Local 18007, and the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) engaged in robust discussion about the PRP. In February 2025, the ICC issued a ruling requiring Peoples Gas to retire at-risk gas pipes that present an acute safety risk by the end of 2034. This amounts 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.
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Pie chart provided by Illinois PIRG breaking down the allocation of Peoples Gas' $202 million rate increase filing currently before the Illinois Commerce Commission
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As demonstrated in the pie chart above provided by Illinois PIRG, 19.2% of the $202 milliion rate increase filing, or nearly $40 million, would be allocated to the PRP. However, as filed by Peoples Gas, this would assume that at-risk pipes included in the PRP would be replaced with higher-pressure systems. This would then require replacing a broader system of pipes in the surrounding area to safely deliver the gas. As filed, it would permit Peoples Gas to do a systemwide conversion of its natural gas system.
During the hearing, we discussed how the term "retirement" in the program is critical in the ICC ruling. This ruling does not require Peoples Gas to replace its pipe with a higher pressure system, but would rather compel them to explore alternative approaches that could address the bona fide safety concerns while reining in costs. This could include new technology that would allow a cure-in-place pipe relining that would significantly reduce long-term costs and expand the lifetime of the existing pipes by upwards of another 100 years. It was encouraged to explore other non-pipe alternatives that would situate Chicago to meet its climate goals, including those in the 2022 Climate Action Plan, and a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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. As also demonstrated in the above pie chart provided by Illinois PIRG, 19.2% (the same amount for the PRP) of its rate hike filing—the same amount allocated for the PRP—would go solely to profits.
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Peoples Gas' parent company, WEC Energy Group, reported approximately $1.2 billion in profits in the first nine months of 2025. Peoples Gas has also reported record-breaking profits since first proposing the PRP. 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. This has worsened since Peoples Gas filed for a rate hike, due to President Trump's war on Iran, which has resulted in record-breaking increases in the costs of crude oil and natural gas.
Since holding the hearing, Chairwoman Hadden has signed on to a letter circulated by Illinois PIRG urging the Illinois Commerce Commission to oppose the rate-hike filing in its current form. Peoples Gas consumers may make their opinions heard on the rate hike filing on the ICC's website under docket number 26-0065 and/or by signing onto a letter from Illinois PIRG calling on the ICC to oppose Peoples Gas' rate hike.
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Committee on License and Consumer Protection Votes Down Ordinance Restricting Video Game Terminals in Certain Parts of the City
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This month, members of the Committee on License and Consumer Protection, which I do not sit on, voted down a measure that would have prohibited video game terminals (VGTs) in certain wards in the city. The 49th Ward was one of the wards listed in the ordinance.
The allowance of VGTs in Chicago's restaurants and bars is a result of the alternative budget proposal presented by a group of alderpeople that passed in late 2025. It was a budget that I voted no on, and expressed concerns at the time about the ramifications of the video game terminal component.
Alderpeople spearheading the alternative budget proposal predicted $6.8 million in revenue annually from the proliferation of VGTs across the city. The projections assume that 80% of all 3,300 eligible businesses will apply and be approved for a video game terminal. To date, the state has received 207 applications. Furthermore, those applications are still under review at the Illinois Gaming Board and could take upwards of eight months to receive a license. This means that there would be significantly less than 80% of eligible businesses with VGTs that would only operate for a fraction of 2026. This would significantly impact any revenue projections included in the 2026 budget proposal.
In addition to current data forecasting a revenue shortfall from the alternative budget proposal projections, the video game terminal component did not consider the ramifications it would have on the City's existing contract with Bally's to operate a casino. When City Council approved the Bally’s contract during the Lightfoot administration to build a casino in Chicago, it agreed to let Bally’s be the only gambling license holder in the City. This means any allowance of VGTs would be a breach of that contract, resulting in a loss of $4 million annually. Additionally, the City would lose 390 jobs that Bally’s committed to as a part of the casino negotiations. Meanwhile, VGTs only create 1 to 2 jobs for the technicians who service the machines across businesses.
On top of the concerns about the predatory nature of VGTs and the role they play in fueling gambling addictions, they turn neighborhood establishments into makeshift casinos without the security or regulations that come with designated casino establishments. The Chicago Sun-Times published an article in January reporting that businesses with video game terminals saw a spike in burglaries, with at least 437 burglaries reported throughout Illinois in 2025, resulting in more than $2.7 million stolen. This was a 32% increase in burglaries at businesses with VGTs from 2024 to 2025.
During March's City Council, I joined Alders Fuentes, Burnett, Ervin, Rodriguez-Sanchez, and Quezada to defer and publish the do not pass recommendation from the Committee on License and Consumer Protection. This allows additional time to not only engage in discussions with colleagues about restricting VGTs from our respective wards, but also to revisit this component of the alternative budget proposal and have robust and honest discussions about the ramifications that come with this proposal.
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Alderwoman Hadden Introduces Bird-Friendly Building Design Ordinance
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The Bird-Friendly Design Coalition during a July 2025 Hearing in the Committee on Environment
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During the March City Council meeting, Alderpeople Hadden, LaSpata, Hopkins, and Cruz introduced an ordinance that would set bird-friendly design standards for all new construction in the City of Chicago.
If passed, the ordinance would mandate bird-friendly treatments on all reflective surfaces within the first 100 feet of all new construction in Chicago. The ordinance mirrors legislation in other major cities that have already been codified, including New York, Toronto, and San Francisco. The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, which is chaired by Alderwoman Hadden, worked with a broad coalition of architects, urban planners, birders, and others to develop the ordinance. The coalition was formed after Chairwoman Hadden held a subject matter hearing on bird-friendly design in the Committee on Environment last July, which you can read more about here.
During Wednesday's City Council meeting, Alderman Beale had the item sent to the Committee on Rules. The item will need to be re-referred to the Committee on Zoning in order to advance. In the meantime, Chairwoman Hadden and the Coalition will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders to gather feedback as we work to advance the item through the legislative process.
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Ordinance Granting Investigative Jurisdiction to COPA for Welcoming Ordinance Violations by CPD Passes Full City Council
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An ordinance granting the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) investigative authority for complaints alleging police violations of Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance passed the full City Council this month.
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 voted to pass it.
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Spotlight on EJ Community Work
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Illinois Environmental Council Serving as Green Policy Champions for Decades
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For over 25 years, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has led efforts to advocate for environmental policy with state and local legislators. From holding lobbying days to hosting informational seminars about new policy initiatives, IEC works to create transparency and accountability for sustainable governance. You can join their email list here, and click here for more information on their legislative priorities for 2026.
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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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Request for Information: Opportunities for Rooftop and Community Solar Development on City-Owned Assets
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The Chicago Department of Environment has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on the potential installation of rooftop and community solar on City-owned properties.
This RFI is intended to help the City better understand considerations for expanding rooftop and community solar across City-owned facilities.
You can review the full RFI and learn more at this link.
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New Carts at Food Scrap Drop-Offs
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The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be using a new type of green cart at food scrap drop-off locations in the near future.
The new carts are:
- smaller, with a 35-gallon capacity compared to the 65-gallon capacity of the original carts.
- opened by turning a handle on the top of the lid. See below for details.
Please let the City know what you think! Share your feedback by emailing [email protected].
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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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