Mayor Johnson backs ban on natural gas in new buildings

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is backing an ordinance that would effectively ban the use of natural gas in new buildings in the city, according to the Chicago Tribune. The proposal aims to reduce emissions to combat climate change and has garnered the support of several aldermen, environmental advocacy groups, and business leaders.

The ordinance faces opposition from the gas lobby, the construction industry, and some city council members who are concerned about increased energy costs and the potential impact on power reliability.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit the combustion of any substance that emits 25 kilograms or more of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units of energy, as reported by the Tribune.

Some buildings and equipment would be exempt from this requirement, including hospitals, research laboratories, emergency backup power generators, and commercial cooking equipment.

Mayor Johnson and other supporters of the ordinance believe it would lower energy costs, reduce harmful emissions, and help transition the city to a more sustainable, green energy future.

Angela Tovar, Johnson's commissioner of the newly reopened Department of Environment, called the legislation a "reasonable first step" and emphasized the need for policies that support a just transition to clean energy.

Opponents of the ordinance include city council member Gilbert Villegas and a coalition of gas industry and construction representatives, who argue that the ban could raise energy prices and jeopardize power reliability.

They also believe that the city should examine the proposal more thoroughly and consider the potential benefits of alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen power, which might be hampered by the current legislation.

Supporters, however, argue that the ordinance would not block the development of more sustainable energy technologies, but instead set emissions standards that could evolve over time.

Traditionally, much of the electricity that powers homes and businesses has been generated by the burning of coal. Yet, last spring the U.S. Energy Information Administration announced that electricity generated from renewables surpassed that of electricity powered by coal, in the United States for the very first time.

If introduced successfully, the ordinance will be scheduled for hearings and briefings, followed by votes in the zoning and environment committees, before ultimately facing a full City Council vote.