Yesterday, the City of Chicago joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and seven other counties and cities in submitting a comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The letter opposes the EPA's proposed move to rescind its 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions, including those from motor vehicles, contribute to climate change and threaten public health.
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement regarding this action: "We will continue to take action against dangerous federal actions that disregard scientific evidence. The importance of upholding this long-held commitment is underscored by the plain truth that the effects of climate change are felt most acutely by working people and Black and Brown communities. We will work side by side with climate experts, community members, and other cities, counties, and states to protect public health and prevent further degradation from climate change while defending the right to clean air for every Chicagoan.”
The coalition’s response reflects ongoing efforts by local governments to address environmental policies at the federal level.