Cook County declared a climate emergency in 2021 and adopted the Cook County Climate Action Plan in 2024, targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 with interim 50 percent reduction by 2030 across county operations and incentives for suburban municipalities.
Resolution 21-1789 declared a climate and ecological emergency in Cook County. The Cook County Climate Action Plan, adopted by the Board in 2024, sets a 50 percent emissions reduction target by 2030 (versus 2010 baseline) and net zero by 2050. The plan funds municipal sustainability grants, expands the Sustain Cook County program, requires county-procurement emissions tracking, and targets electrification of the county vehicle fleet. The Bureau of Economic Development and Department of Environment and Sustainability co-administer. Suburban municipalities can opt into county technical assistance for local climate plans.
The plan is a policy framework rather than a regulatory ordinance, so it does not impose direct penalties on residents. County contractors face procurement-scoring impacts for high-emission bids.
See how Arlington Heights's climate emergency mobilization rules stack up against other locations.
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