Illinois
Trump Tower Chicago Violated Environmental Laws And Killed Thousands Of Fish, Illinois Court Rules
Topline
An Illinois judge ruled the Trump Tower in Chicago violated multiple environmental laws and caused the deaths of thousands of fish in the Chicago River, the state’s attorney general’s office announced Wednesday.
An Illinois judge ruled that Trump Tower in Chicago violated multiple environmental laws.
Key Facts
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson ruled in favor of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and environmental organizations who alleged the skyscraper lacked a proper state environmental permit.
Raoul told the Chicago Tribune he was “pleased” with the court’s ruling and added, “For years, Trump Tower failed to follow state and federal regulations that protect the health of the Chicago River and the balance of critical aquatic ecosystems therein.”
The report added that Wilson issued a summary judgment in favor of Raoul and the other complainants, finding Trump International Hotel & Tower “liable on all counts.”
According to the Sun-Times, unless both sides settle on a resolution for the issue, there will be further hearings on the matter.
Raoul also told both outlets he plans to seek civil penalties for the violations.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Crucial Quote
Margaret Frisbie, the executive director of “Friends of the Chicago River”, one of the environmental groups that sued the building along with Raoul, said, “The Trump Tower’s complete disregard for the rules carelessly killed countless creatures and degraded the value of the significant public investments over decades to bring about the healthy transformation of the river for people, fish, and other aquatic wildlife.” She added: “Judge Wilson’s decision brings us close to the end of a six-year journey to bring justice to the wildlife for whom these laws were designed to protect and the people who enjoy this wildlife.”
Further Reading
Trump Tower ruled ‘public nuisance’ over fish kills (Chicago Sun-Times)
Court finds Trump Tower violated environmental laws and endangered fish in the Chicago River (Chicago Tribune)