In an effort to combat climate change, the Chicago City Council is poised to debate the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance, which aims to ban the use of natural gas in most new constructions. Spearheaded by Ald. Maria Hadden, this groundbreaking legislation establishes an emission standard that natural gas cannot meet, encouraging the adoption of electric heating and appliances to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposed ordinance prohibits the combustion of any substance emitting over 25 kilograms of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units of energy. This aligns with a similar policy in effect in New York City. However, exceptions are made for specific buildings and equipment, such as hospitals and commercial cooking devices.
Advocates for the ordinance emphasize the economic, health, and safety benefits of electric heating, in addition to potential savings for Chicago residents. A study by the Citizens Utility Board suggests that transitioning to all-electric homes could save individuals between $11,000 and $24,000 over a span of 20 years.
Nevertheless, the ordinance faces opposition from the American Gas Association and Peoples Gas, who argue that it could lead to increased costs, compromised reliability, and, paradoxically, higher emissions since renewable energy sources currently only contribute a small percentage to the city’s energy mix. ComEd, the primary energy provider for northern Illinois, relies heavily on natural gas and nuclear power, with smaller portions derived from coal, wind, solar, and hydropower.
As other major cities like New York and Los Angeles also set forth similar measures, Chicago’s Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance establishes itself as a precedent in the fight against climate change. It reflects the city’s commitment to a greener, cleaner future, ensuring that the Windy City’s dedication to environmental sustainability is more than just rhetoric.
