EPA inspections and staff levels plunge in the Chicago regional office as regulations are abandoned and policy favors job creation over clean air and water. The Midwest is among the areas hit hardest by the cutbacks, with inspections down 60% since Trump took office.
Brett Chase
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Neighborhoods Face Extinction As Floods Increase
Illinois towns paying the price for repeated cleanups consider buying out residents and converting homesteads to wetlands and parks.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Storms, Flooding Hit Poorest Communities Hardest
In the Chicago area, flooding has often disproportionately hit the south suburbs, particularly low-income communities. And it’s going to get worse with climate change.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Watchdog Slams Chicago’s Air Pollution Oversight
Audit by the inspector general follows a BGA/Medill investigation that found under Mayor Rahm Emanuel the city’s environmental enforcement declined amid cuts to inspection staff.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
In Illinois, Cars And Trucks Top Coal As Biggest Global Warming Contributor
Drivers, Amazon deliveries and Uber rides are now the biggest source of greenhouse gases, presenting a new challenge for policy.
Posted inInvestigations
As Emanuel Exits, Efforts Growing at City Hall to Revive Environment Department
The mayor eliminated environmental enforcement office to cut costs, which a recent BGA investigation revealed resulted in declines in inspections and citations. Now both potential successors support bringing the department back as support builds in City Council.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Las Contradicciones De Emanuel Frente a La Industria Contaminante
Un análisis hecho por BGA/Medill revela que las acciones de vigilancia para el cumplimiento de la ley ambiental disminuyeron bajo los dos mandatos del alcalde. El número de inspectores se recortó cuando el alcalde redujo costos.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Emanuel Soft on Chicago Polluters Despite Tough Talk
A BGA/Medill analysis shows environmental enforcement declined under the two-term mayor. City inspection staff was slashed as mayor cut costs.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Pollution Hits Chicago’s West, South Sides Hardest
New research shows toxic threats are greatest in minority neighborhoods near industrial areas. Interactive map also shows pollution dangers near your home.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
Un mapa interactivo confirma que oeste y sur de Chicago son los más afectados por la contaminación
Una nueva investigación muestra que las amenazas tóxicas son mayores en los pequeños vecindarios cercanos a las áreas industriales. El estudio, según los activistas, puede contribuir en la lucha por la reubicación de la industria sucia en sus comunidades.
