Mary B. Richardson-Lowry | Corporation Counsel City of Chicago Law Department | City of Chicago website
Mary B. Richardson-Lowry | Corporation Counsel City of Chicago Law Department | City of Chicago website
FOIA Request to City of Chicago Law Department regarding climate and plastics litigation contracts and communications on August 21, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the City of Chicago Law Department by a representative from Chicago City Wire. The request seeks access to records related to any contracts, retainer agreements, or engagement letters between the City of Chicago and law firms or attorneys concerning litigation involving plastics and climate issues. Specifically, the request covers topics such as manufacturing, pollution, environmental impact, recycling, climate change, global warming, and other environmental or energy-related litigation.
Additionally, the FOIA request asks for any communications in the form of emails, memos, or letters between City of Chicago officials and law firms or attorneys about the city's participation or potential involvement in litigation related to these issues. The requester has asked for these documents preferably in electronic format.
The email specifies that if any part of the request is denied, a written explanation citing applicable exemptions should be provided. It also requests that if documents can be partially redacted with the remainder disclosed, this should be done. As a member of the media involved in gathering news for public dissemination, the requester believes they are eligible for a fee waiver due to their role in promoting transparency and holding public institutions accountable.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
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