CHICAGO TEAM
DESCRIPTION
The Chicago Climate Action & Policy Team works to improve local level policies and practices that affect and are affected by our changing climate.
In our monthly meetings, we share knowledge about what is going on in our community and strategize about how we, as a team and in collaboration with others, can minimize climate chaos and build climate resilience in the City of Chicago.
This group complements and collaborates with the Suburban Climate Action Plan Team.
Current Initiatives
- Support the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) in efforts to introduce and pass building decarbonization legislation
- Pressure the Illinois Commerce Commission to make climate-friendly decisions, particularly regarding the Future of Gas (FOG) proceedings
- Encourage increased composting in Chicago, in collaboration with the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition (IFSCC)
- Ensure effective and timely implementation of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan
- Identify opportunities to assist with effective use of resources available through the Chicago Climate Infrastructure Fund
- Advocate a pilot program to explore using city streetlights as EV charging stations
SUCCESSES
- Pressured the city to shift authority over the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to the Department of Environment starting January 1, 2025
- Researched, wrote, and distributed the report, “Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Chicago Campuses,” about building decarbonization and higher education campuses
- Promoted the re-establishment of a Chicago Department of the Environment, in collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
- Provided well-researched feedback to help shape Chicago’s Climate Action Plan and We Will Chicago
team LEAD
Rachel Fredericks
Meetings
Monthly on 4th Monday, 7 – 8 pm
(Check our calendar for more details.)
^ Chapter members only
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