Full Restoration of the Department of the Environment

Since the defunding and removal of the Department of the Environment (DOE) in 2011, Chicagoans have been fighting for it to be restored to better protect communities— especially those who have historically shouldered disproportionate environmental burden— from pollution, biodiversity loss, rising temperatures, and other negative impacts of climate change.

Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth was proud to champion the reinstitution of the DOE in the 2024 City of Chicago budget. Since then, she’s continued to work with city departments and colleagues on the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy to restore staffing, funding, and oversight powers to DOE.

In March 2026, the environmental remediation team was transitioned from the Department of Fleet and Facility Management to DOE. On May 1, 2026, the environmental permitting and inspection team was likewise transferred from the Department of Public Health to DOE, marking the complete restoration of the department.

“Today, we are proud to officially introduce the new Department of Environment, built upon a strong foundation of team expertise, guided by equitable principles, and steadfastly committed to environmental justice,” said Angela Tovar, Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner. “With the new duties granted to this department, DOE now joins together policy, remediation, and enforcement within one, unified body. Now, DOE stands ready to advance environmental safeguards, lead efforts to turn contaminated land to new, productive uses, and cement Chicago’s environmental leadership on a national and global stage.”

Read the full press release here.

Thank you to the organizers and activists in the 48th Ward and across the city who have been fighting this fight since 2011. We look forward to continuing to work with all of you to build sustainable communities where everyone can thrive.