Supporting the Chicago-Calumet River System with Advocacy and Action

This Earth Month, learn more and get involved in current policy efforts to create lasting protections for the Chicago-Calumet River system for all people, water, and wildlife.

City of Chicago Policy Initiatives

  • Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance

Friends of the Chicago River is proud to support the proposed Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance, officially introduced at Chicago City Council on April 16, 2025. Led by an influential coalition of organizations that make up the Chicago Environmental Justice Network, this ordinance aims to end city development patterns that further burden communities of color with harmful pollution.

Friends of the Chicago River supports this proposed ordinance in solidarity with our environmental justice partners. It directly aligns with our goals to advance environmental and public health and center land-use planning along the entire river system. See ordinance text here.

How you can help: the ordinance was sent to the Rules Committee and will need 26 votes to move forward as a next step, so we encourage our members to reach out to your alderperson to urge them to support the ordinance.

  • City Council Hearing on Single-Use Plastics

Join us for a Chicago City Council hearing on the environmental and health damage caused by single-use plastics on Wednesday, April 23, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 121 N. LaSalle Street, 2nd Floor.

Friends of the Chicago River is proud to help organize this important hearing which will feature expert testimony from medical doctors, toxicologists, and ecology researchers. Specialists will present mounting evidence that single-use plastics are harming our health, our water ecosystems, and our city’s future.

How you can help: join us in packing the chamber and making it clear that there is broad support for plastic pollution reduction. Sign up to receive updates here.

State Legislation

Friends of the Chicago River works to eliminate pollution at the source by advancing systemic policy change that prevents litter, especially plastics, from entering our waterways. Plastic bags are flimsy, easily blown away into our waterways and natural areas, and are virtually ubiquitous in our urban environment. We support SB 1872 which would ban grocery stores from offering plastic carryout bags, encouraging the use of reusable alternatives.

How you can help: this bill is currently being considered in the State Senate, so send a message to your legislator asking them for their support! Use the quick action alert here.

Polystyrene foam, commonly used as takeout food containers and packing material, is a type of plastic that can’t be recycled and doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics that persist in the environment, polluting the river and harming wildlife. We support the proposed Polystyrene Foam Ban which will phase out foam foodware, like cups and takeout containers, by 2030.

How you can help: this bill is currently being considered in the State Senate, so send a message to your legislator asking them for their support! Use the quick action alert here.

A recent US Supreme Court decision rolling back the scope of the Clean Water Act left many states vulnerable, including Illinois, by allowing development and degradation to the few wetlands we have left in the state. Illinois has already lost nearly 90% of its wetlands and cannot afford further degradation to these important ecosystems for water quality, climate resilience, and wildlife.

How you can help: this is bill is currently being considered in the State Senate, so send a message to your legislator asking them for their support to enact a comprehensive, statewide wetland protection program. Use the quick action alert here.