Chicago's 2022 Climate Action Plan, the 2017 Resilient Chicago strategy, and the proposed Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance set citywide decarbonization targets aimed at 62% emissions cuts by 2040.
Chicago has not declared a formal climate emergency but has adopted layered policy commitments. The 2022 Climate Action Plan sets a citywide 62% greenhouse-gas reduction target by 2040 against a 2017 baseline, paired with the 2017 Resilient Chicago resilience strategy. Implementation runs through the Department of Environment (re-established 2024) coordinating with CDOT, the Department of Planning, and CDPH. The proposed Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance would phase out fossil-fuel hookups in new construction starting 2027, mirroring New York City Local Law 154. Chicago Energy Benchmarking MCC 18-14-104 already requires public reporting for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
No general climate-emergency penalties apply because the plan is policy rather than ordinance. Energy-benchmarking noncompliance under MCC 18-14-104 carries fines of $100 per day up to $9,200 annually for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Municipal Code Ch. 2-92 directs the Chief Procurement Officer to weigh environmental impact, recycled content, and energy efficiency in city purchasi...
Chicago, IL
Chicago's Climate Action Plan and Our Roots Chicago plan target a 30% citywide tree canopy by 2050, paired with cool-roof mandates and reflective alley progr...
See how Chicago's climate emergency mobilization rules stack up against other locations.
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