Chicago City Wire

Cook County Board of Commissioners Environment and Sustainability Committee met April 8

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ATTENDANCE

Present: Morita, Britton, Miller, K. Morrison and Trevor (5)

Excused Absence:Degnen (1)

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Vice-Chair Morita asked the Secretary to the Board to call upon the registered public speakers, in accordance with the Cook County Code.

1. George Blakemore

25-2230

COMMITTEE MINUTES

Approval of the minutes from the meeting of 10/23/2025.

A motion was made by Commissioner Trevor, seconded by Commissioner Britton, to approve as amended in the errata 25-2230. The motion carried by the following vote:

Ayes: Morita, Britton, Miller, Morrison and Trevor (5)

Absent: Degnen (1)

25-1767

Sponsored by: STANLEY MOORE, Cook County Board Of Commissioners

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

SUPPORTING THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE UTILIZATION OF RENEWABLE HYDROKINETIC CLEAN WATERPOWER AND HYDROPOWER ENERGY

WHEREAS, Cook County acknowledges the need for renewable energy to combat climate change, improve energy security, and promote economic sustainability; and

WHEREAS, hydrokinetic power and hydropower is a reliable renewable energy source, accounting for 27% of U.S. renewable electricity generation and offering scalable solutions from large dams to smaller run-of-river systems; and

WHEREAS, hydropower provides energy storage and grid reliability benefits, with over 24 GW of firm capacity, surpassing current U.S. energy storage capacity; and

WHEREAS, hydropower is used in 48 states, with states like Washington sourcing up to 60% of their electricity from hydropower; and

WHEREAS, Cook County, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois have opportunities to expand hydropower generation using existing infrastructure, such as dams and water treatment facilities; and

WHEREAS, investing in hydropower creates jobs, boosts economic growth, and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, while modern technologies minimize environmental impact; and

WHEREAS, Cook County is committed to advancing policies for renewable energy, reducing emissions, and ensuring energy resilience.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners supports the expansion and implementation of hydropower in Illinois and urges state and federal agencies to prioritize funding and regulatory support; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cook County will explore opportunities for small-scale hydropower generation through feasibility studies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cook County encourages collaboration among local governments, businesses, and energy providers to facilitate the growth of hydropower for a sustainable energy future.

A motion was made by Commissioner Trevor, seconded by Commissioner Britton, to recommend for approval 25-1767. The motion carried by the following vote:

Ayes: Morita, Britton, Miller, K. Morrison and Trevor (5)

Absent: Degnen (1)

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Commissioner Britton, seconded by Commissioner Trevor, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:

Ayes: Morita, Britton, Miller, K. Morrison and Trevor (5)

Absent: Degnen (1)

https://cook-county.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1293743&GUID=6A67B748-2063-4E12-92D3-F53225FD7DC6