Controversy in Chicago over banning natural gas in new buildings
The Chicago City Council Considers Banning Natural Gas in New Buildings to Combat Climate Change
The Chicago City Council is set to discuss a groundbreaking ordinance that aims to prohibit the use of natural gas in most new buildings in the city. This initiative, known as the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance, is being championed by Ald. Maria Hadden, who plans to introduce it on January 24th. The proposed ordinance would establish an emission standard that natural gas currently fails to meet, paving the way for the adoption of electric heating and appliances that would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ald. Maria Hadden emphasized the urgency of this measure, stating, “This is a matter of real survival and the future of our city — and especially our economic future. We’re being forced in this direction by nature, but also by policy and by business and industry. People are making these decisions because it’s economical, it’s healthier, it’s safer.”
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
- The ordinance would prohibit the combustion of any substance that emits 25 kilograms or more of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units of energy.
- Some buildings and equipment, such as hospitals, laboratories, backup generators, and commercial cooking equipment, would be exempt from the new emissions standard.
Supporters of the ordinance include consumer advocates concerned about high gas bills, as well as environmentalists and the Illinois Green Alliance, a group that supports the state’s green building industry.
Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz highlighted the potential cost savings for Chicago residents if they transition to all-electric homes. According to a 2022 analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council, residents could save approximately $11,000 to $24,000 over 20 years by going all-electric.
Chicago is joining a growing list of cities across the United States that are embracing electric appliances and heat in new buildings to meet local, state, and national climate goals. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and many smaller cities have already passed ordinances that limit or prohibit the use of natural gas in new buildings.
Opposing Views
The American Gas Association expressed concerns about the potential ban on natural gas, emphasizing its role in meeting environmental and economic goals. American Gas Association President and CEO Karen Harbert stated, “From providing affordable energy to consumers to driving down emissions, the benefits this fuel has for our nation are tangible and impossible to ignore.”
Peoples Gas, a natural gas utility in Chicago, strongly opposes the ordinance, calling it a “terrible idea for Chicago.” They argue that all-electric heat would be significantly more expensive for residents compared to natural gas, and that renewable energy currently only accounts for less than 4% of the city’s energy on any given day.
ComEd, the electricity provider for northern Illinois, reported that it receives 42% of its electricity from natural gas, 33% from nuclear power, 18% from coal, 4% from wind, 1% from solar, and 1% from hydropower.
Despite differing opinions, the Chicago City Council’s consideration of this ordinance reflects the growing recognition of the need to transition away from natural gas in order to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future.
How does the implementation of the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance in Chicago align with the larger trend of cities taking action to combat climate change and promote sustainable building practices
Orts sustainable building practices. They argue that transitioning to electric heating and appliances is not only better for the environment, but also more cost-effective in the long run. They point to studies that show electric systems can be cheaper to install and maintain, as well as more reliable and efficient than natural gas systems.
However, there are also opponents of the ordinance who argue that it could be a burden on low-income residents who rely on natural gas for heating and cooking. They worry that the transition to electric systems could lead to higher energy costs and potentially force residents to make sacrifices in other areas of their lives. They also argue that natural gas is a reliable and abundant energy source that plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of the city.
The debate surrounding the ordinance brings to light the larger issue of how cities can effectively address climate change. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, it’s important to consider the potential impacts on residents, particularly those who may be economically vulnerable. In order to ensure a just and equitable transition, stakeholders must work together to find solutions that prioritize both the environment and the well-being of all residents.
If the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance is passed, Chicago would join a growing list of cities that have taken similar actions to combat climate change. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles have already implemented regulations or set goals to phase out natural gas in new buildings. This movement reflects a larger trend towards sustainable building practices and a recognition of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Chicago City Council’s consideration of this groundbreaking ordinance signals the city’s commitment to addressing climate change and creating a more sustainable future. By taking bold actions such as banning natural gas in new buildings, Chicago can set an example for other cities to follow and help lead the way towards a greener and more resilient future.
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