Chicago City Wire

In his first year as Mayor, Brandon Johnson has made significant strides in addressing environmental justice in Chicago. He has implemented a series of strategies aimed at combating climate change, pollution, and waste while prioritizing the needs of the city's working families. These efforts have positioned Mayor Johnson as a national leader in the climate justice movement at the municipal level.

Mayor Johnson's commitment to environmental justice is highlighted through the Department of Environment (DOE), which was re-established under his FY24 budget after being shuttered by previous administrations. The DOE, led by Commissioner and Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar, aims to protect Chicago residents from environmental harm equitably.

"When we are working on our policies around climate change, our primary concern is the people of Chicago," said Mayor Johnson. "Our mission this first year has been to lay the groundwork for transformational change while protecting the residents of Chicago."

The mayor's administration has also launched initiatives such as a citywide composting program and the Native and Pollinator Garden Registry Advisory Board. Furthermore, it allocated $15 million towards residential building decarbonization and retrofit through a Request for Proposals announced in July.

In addition to these initiatives, Mayor Johnson introduced the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) that seeks to limit indoor fossil fuel emissions while creating economic and public health benefits for residents. CABO plans to leverage investments from tax incentives, competitive grants, and formula funding through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Mayor Johnson also selected 22 small businesses and nonprofits for Climate Infrastructure Fund grants to help transition neighborhoods to a green economy and combat climate change effects.

In February, Mayor Johnson announced that Chicago is suing six oil and gas corporations for deceiving consumers about their products' climate dangers. "Evidence shows that these Defendants intentionally misled Chicago residents about the climate change-related dangers associated with their oil and gas products," said Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry.

On Earth Day, Mayor Johnson engaged business leaders, non-profit organizations, and faith community members to inform tax-exempt entities of federal clean energy funding available under the IRA of 2022.

Philip B. Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago, commended Mayor Johnson's efforts, saying, "By uniting stakeholders across sectors, we can accelerate our transition to a greener, more resilient Chicago."