EPA at Work in Chicago - Air

On this page:

Overview
Air Enforcement
Industrial Energy Efficiency
Air Quality and Monitoring

Disclaimer:

Pursuant to a permanent injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on August 22, 2024, EPA will not impose or enforce any disparate-impact or cumulative-impact-analysis requirements under Title VI against any entity in the State of Louisiana. Click here for additional and updated information.

Overview

Partnership with City of Chicago

EPA partnered with the City of Chicago on environmental initiatives, including a framework to address cumulative impacts and hyperlocal monitoring. In 2021, then EPA Administrator Regan suggested that the city complete an analysis on a proposed permit for Reserve Management Group to operate a scrap metal recycling facility on Chicago’s southeast side. The group purchased General Iron, which had previously operated on Chicago’s north side.

In February 2022, the Chicago Department of Public Health denied RMG’s permit application. The health department found the potential adverse changes in air quality and quality of life that would be caused by operations —together with the company's track record in operating similar facilities within this campus—presented an unacceptable risk to vulnerable surrounding communities. EPA provided technical assistance including an air quality analysis and health impact assessment.

Related links:

Air Enforcement

Enforcing environmental laws is a central part of EPA’s Strategic Plan to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure compliance with environmental requirements. When warranted, EPA will take civil or criminal enforcement action against violators of environmental laws.

To file a complaint, visit: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.

Investigations

Sims Metal Management (2500 S. Paulina Street)
S.H. Bell (10218 S. Avenue O)
Befesa (formerly American Zinc Recycling, Horsehead Corporation) (2701 E. 114th Street) EPA continues to monitor Befesa’s compliance with the April 2020 Consent Decree at the Chicago facility.
Watco Terminal and Port Services (2926 E. 126th Place)
Pullman Innovations, LLC (2701 E. 100th Street)

Industrial Energy Efficiency

Region 5 supports the city’s goal to retrofit 20% of total industrial buildings by 2030 and improve industrial energy efficiency and sustainability more generally, including through ENERGY STAR’s industrial programs. EPA partnered with the city, ComEd, Peoples Gas, and energy efficiency implementers to hold a workshop in December 2021 to provide an overview of available utility programs for industry and explain how energy efficiency supports the city’s goals. Read EPA's press release announcing Over $1 Million in Grant Funding to University of Illinois for Pollution Prevention and assistance to small and medium industrial facilities. EPA is also working with the city to increase enrollment in utility Strategic Energy Management programs for larger eligible facilities.

Air Quality and Monitoring

Air Quality Partnerships with Communities a comprehensive resource for communities.

The Annual Network Plan provides the framework to establish and maintain air quality surveillance system in each state. To review Illinois EPA’s most recent ANP, visit: Ambient Air Monitoring Network. Other plans, visit: State Monitoring Agency Annual Air Monitoring Plans and Network Assessments

Air Now provides localized current and forecast air quality maps.

Air Data uses tools to visualize current and historic regulatory data.

The Air Sensors Toolbox provides the latest science on the performance, operation and use of air sensor monitoring systems for participatory scientists and the public.

Air Sensor Loan Programs provides information on how to find out how to loan sensors from EPA or other entities