Trump Tower Chicago fined for environmental violations harming fish

An Illinois judge ruled that the Trump Tower in Chicago violated environmental laws, leading to the deaths of thousands of fish in the Chicago River. The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by the Illinois Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, and several environmental organizations, which claimed the skyscraper operated its cooling water intakes without the necessary environmental permit. The court found the building liable for causing a public nuisance and harming aquatic ecosystems. Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson issued a summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, confirming that Trump Tower had failed to comply with both state and federal regulations designed to protect the health of the Chicago River. This ruling is seen as a significant victory for environmental advocates who have been working for years to hold the tower accountable for its actions. Margaret Frisbie, the executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the importance of adhering to environmental laws to protect wildlife and public investments in the river's health. The decision marks a pivotal moment in a six-year legal battle aimed at restoring the ecological balance of the river. Moving forward, Attorney General Raoul plans to seek civil penalties against Trump Tower for its violations. Unless a settlement is reached, further hearings will be scheduled to address the consequences of the ruling and the necessary steps to rectify the environmental damage caused by the tower's operations.