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Dear Neighbors,
The Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will hold its first hearing of 2026 on Tuesday, February 3, at 10 am in Council Chambers.
Before the Committee are two resolutions. The , sponsored by Alderman Hopkins, expresses support for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) reclamation study. The , sponsored by Alderman Knudsen, recognizes the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Bird Alliance for launching a rodent contraceptive pilot program.
For information on how to attend a committee meeting or submit public comment, .
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- Thursday, January 29 4, 9:30 a.m., City Hall, Room 1103:
- Tuesday, February 3, City Council Chambers:
Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy
- Thursday, February 12:
Lincoln's Birthday
- Monday, February 16:
Presidents' Day
- Wednesday, February 18, City Council Chambers:
City Council
- Thursday, February 19, City Hall, Room 1003A:
- Monday, March 2:
Pulaski Day
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Statement on Political Violence in the Twin Cities
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Silverio Villegas González.
Keith Porter.
Renee Good.
Alex Pretti.
All civilians. All murdered by federal employees tasked with terrorizing the people of our country. Agents who are trampling on the rights of citizens and non-citizens alike and making a mockery of the highest law of the land, our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. These militarized forces are operating on the authority of a President and administration who have displayed a clear contempt for national and international laws, rules, and the American way of life.
In allowing this terrorism to continue, Congress, the Supreme Court, and all who stand behind the actions of this administration are not just accomplices in the murders of these civilians; they are also complicit in the craven destruction of democracy and our nation.
I stand with the people of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Chicago, Los Angeles - and with all those across our fifty states who resist, who protect one another, and who truly love this country.
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Peoples Gas Files for Another Rate Hike
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On January 5, Peoples Gas 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 (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 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.
Chairwoman Hadden plans to host a hearing on Peoples Gas' rate hike request in early March. Please keep your eye on this newsletter for more information as dates are finalized. Peoples Gas consumers may also make their opinions heard on the rate hike filing on the under docket number 26-0065.
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Ordinance Granting Investigative Jurisdiction to COPA for Welcoming Ordinance Violations by CPD Passes Committee
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An granting investigative authority to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) for complaints alleging police violations of Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance passed the Joint Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Police and Fire this month.
The ordinance was introduced by Alderperson Fuentes after the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights held a 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
The ordinance will go before the full City Council for a final vote during its February meeting. Alderwoman Hadden co-sponsored the ordinance and will vote in favor of it when it comes before the full City Council.
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Hemp Ban Passes Full City Council
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A prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived products in Chicago passed the full City Council this month. 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 measure. Instead, she called 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.
As passed, the ordinance bans most CBD products. This is because it uses an overly broad definition of products that would be prohibited under the ordinance, including 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 is to improve safety, the carve-out for intoxicating beverages undermines 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 favors 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 testing for potency.
The ordinance that passed will force many small, locally-owned businesses to close and eliminate thousands of jobs. It will also drive consumers seeking CBD and hemp products to the neighboring suburbs, which will result 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 will work closely with affected businesses and the Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association to identify opportunities to amend the ordinance that passed this month.
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Share Your Input on Chicago's Draft Five-Year Blueprint on Homelessness
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This month, the Mayor's Office of Homelessness published its draft Five-Year Blueprint on Homelessness. In 2024, Chicago's first Chief Homelessness Officer, Sendy Soto, was tasked with developing a bold response to homelessness. In drafting the blueprint, Chief Homelessness Officer Soto convened a 30-person strategic advisory committee comprising city, county, and state stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, coordinated approach to ending and preventing homelessness in Chicago.
The draft Blueprint focuses on seven pillars and action plans:
The draft Blueprint is now open for public comment through January 30. Review the and submit feedback online at .
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Spotlight on EJ Community Work
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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 !
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In Other Environmental News
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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 and on Facebook at .
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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 .
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: .
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Sierra Club Illinois Winter Tips
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The Illinois Sierra Club Clean Water Team developed 20 tips to help communities adopt safer, more efficient salt practices to reduce chloride pollution and protect local waterways during the winter months. Some minor changes to how we use salt in the winter can help divert chloride from our water systems.
- Shovel First, Salt Last
Clear snow early and often—salt works only on thin layers of ice, not on snow.
- Use the Right Amount of Salt
A coffee mug’s worth (1–3 cups) is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway. More salt doesn’t mean more melting.
- Spread Salt Evenly, Not in Piles
Clumps of salt wash directly into streams and groundwater. Scatter salt grains so they’re about 3 inches apart.
- Check the Temperature Before You Salt
Salt stops working below 15°F. When it’s too cold, switch to sand for traction instead of wasting salt.
- Use Alternatives When You Can
Try sand, traction grit, or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) where appropriate. They reduce chloride pollution while improving safety.
- Sweep Up Extra Salt After Melting
Leftover salt can be swept and reused—preventing unnecessary runoff into local waterways.
- Keep Salt Away From Gutters and Storm Drains
Salt that goes into a storm drain goes directly into your nearest creek or river—untreated.
- Store Salt Properly at Home
Cover salt with a lid or tarp to keep rain from washing it into driveways and drains.
- Talk to Neighbors About Smart Salting
Share simple tips like “shovel first” and “use a mug of salt.” Neighborhood habits add up to big water impacts.
- Protect Pets With Salt Alternatives
Salt hurts paws and is tracked into homes. Use pet-safe de-icers and encourage neighbors to do the same.
- Use Only What You Need
More salt does not equal safer sidewalks. A thin, even layer is all it takes—excess simply pollutes local waterways.
- De-Ice Strategically, Not Automatically
Before spreading salt, check if the sun will melt the ice within a few hours. Sometimes nature does the job for free.
- Break Up Ice Before Salting
Chipping or scraping ice reduces the amount of salt needed and helps it work faster.
- Choose the Right Tool
Use a hand-held spreader for even application—piling salt in one spot wastes product and harms nearby plants and soil.
- Give Salt Time to Work
Salt needs time to dissolve and melt ice. Spread, wait, then re-evaluate instead of adding more immediately.
- Protect Plants and Lawns
Salt damages grass, bushes, and trees. Keep salt at least 2 feet away from plantings or use barriers where possible.
- Prevent Salt Tracking Indoors
Use entry mats to keep salt out of homes, schools, and businesses—reducing health risks and cleaning costs.
- Avoid Salting During Active Snowfall
Salt is ineffective when it’s still snowing heavily. Wait until snowfall slows or stops for best results.
- Support Local Salt-Smart Policies
Encourage your municipality, HOA, or school district to adopt operator training, calibrated equipment, and reduced-salt practices.
- Know Your Local Waterway
Every storm drain flows to the nearest creek or river. When you understand where your runoff goes, it’s easier to make water-smart winter choices.
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Share Your Input: Chicago EV Charging Survey
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As part of the City of Chicago’s goals to reduce transportation emissions and advance environmental justice, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has developed the to equitably advance Electric Vehicle (EV) and e-mobility infrastructure improvements in Chicago.
To best reach the community to understand their needs, CDOT has developed two public surveys ( and ) to gather feedback that will directly shape how public charging infrastructure and a pilot program for curbside charging is planned and implemented in Chicago.
It takes about 10 minutes to complete the anonymous survey.
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Important Reminder About the Food Scrap Drop-Off Program
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In recent weeks, the CIty has been receiving unusually high volumes of fruit scraps with plastic contamination in the green carts at the Rogers Park food scrap drop-off site, located at 6447 N. Ravenswood Avenue, which may indicate commercial business of the site.
This free City service is reserved for residential use only, NOT COMMERCIAL BUSINESS USE.
Businesses found violating the intended usage of this service may be subject to a fine. Businesses are instead encouraged to contact a private hauler for commercial composting services.
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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 , 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 .
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 and view the .
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