Recently, a federal judge made a big decision: Trump Tower in Chicago is now officially a “public nuisance.” This means that the building has been causing serious problems for the environment. The judge ruled that Trump Tower has been killing thousands of fish in the Chicago River.
Trump Tower sits at 401 N. Wabash Ave. and opened in 2009. It has been operating without a proper state water permit and does not accurately report its water discharge levels, according to a lawsuit. Every day, its cooling system pulls 20 million gallons of water from the Chicago River. This huge amount of water intake is harmful because it sucks in not just water but also fish and other creatures living in the river. The system has been running without the correct permits and failing to report its water use and discharge properly. Margaret Frisbie, the director of Friends of the Chicago River, said,
“They were able to kill more fish and aquatic organisms than what would be allowed.”
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This problem with Trump Tower is part of a larger issue where big businesses and powerful people often ignore environmental laws. Trump Tower is just one example of this bigger problem. The ruling against the tower shows how influential entities can harm the environment and avoid immediate consequences. The operators of Trump Tower have been criticized for not following the rules that protect the environment. Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson said the tower “has created and continues to create a public nuisance in violation of Illinois law.” This means Trump Tower is not only breaking the law but also hurting the public’s ability to enjoy the Chicago River.
The situation with Trump Tower goes beyond just one building; it exemplifies a widespread issue where businesses and influential figures frequently bypass environmental regulations. For instance, the BP oil spill in 2010 caused severe damage to the ocean and wildlife, highlighting the consequences of such neglect.
The Republican Party has often supported policies that make it easier for businesses to operate without strict regulations. This has led to more cases where companies harm the environment without facing proper consequences. The case against Trump Tower is a clear example of how these policies can lead to real harm.
The next court hearing for Trump Tower is set for November. The court will decide how to make sure the building follows environmental laws. If Trump Tower does not comply with the rules, it could face more legal actions. Jack Darin from the Sierra Club Illinois said, “We’ll be monitoring to make sure they obey the law.” This statement shows the commitment to ensuring that Trump Tower and other similar entities follow the rules to protect the environment.
As we move forward, we need to keep our eyes open and push for strong environmental protections. This case with Trump Tower is a clear sign that even powerful people need to follow the rules. If we make sure everyone, including big names like Trump Tower, does their part, we can keep our rivers and wildlife safe for everyone.
Featured image via Screengrab
