Chicago Council Panel Declares Crisis Over Lake Shoreline Damage

The Chicago City Council's environmental committee declared a "climate emergency" this week after massive storms and record-high water levels damaged the city's Lake Michigan shoreline.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot had previously declared a "local disaster" after January storms caused millions of dollars of damage.

The committee's resolution seeks money to repair the damage and pledges to work with Lightfoot to fund "urgent climate action," according to The Chicago Tribune.

Council members also asked Lightfoot to resurrect the city's Department of Environment, which was cut by her predecessor in 2011.

The full Chicago City Council will vote on the emergency declaration next week.