Resistance emerges as City Council, unions, advocacy groups clash over controversial clean energy ordinance
Mayor Brandon Johnson is spearheading a plan to eradicate natural gas hookups in new buildings and homes in Chicago. The city’s ambitious goal is to phase out fossil fuels, combatting the climate crisis that looms large. However, this vision encounters early resistance from some influential unions.
Mayor Johnson is set to unveil a “clean” buildings ordinance this Wednesday, seeking to terminate new gas hookups for cooking, heating, and hot-water tanks, with a mandate for electric power instead. Following the lead of other cities like New York, Chicago aims to implement a future ban on this carbon dioxide-emitting gas. Illinois itself is committed to eliminating all fossil-fuel energy sources by 2050.
This innovative proposal stems from recommendations by external advisers and advocacy organizations, first announced by City Hall in October 2022 as part of a broader climate-fighting plan. Although the detailed ordinance wasn’t publicly available as of Monday, it aims to establish an indoor emissions standard, prohibiting the use of fossil fuels in new constructions and building additions exceeding 10,000 square feet. If passed by the City Council, it is expected to take effect one year later.