Chicago Considers Banning Natural Gas in New Buildings

The proposed ordinance aims to combat climate change, but faces opposition over potential cost increases and impact on underserved populations.

Chicago City Council is considering an ordinance that would ban the use of natural gas in most new buildings in an effort to combat climate change.
The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance, sponsored by Ald. Maria Hadden, is set to be introduced on Jan. 24 and would set an emission standard that natural gas does not meet.
Supporters of the ordinance include consumer advocates concerned about high gas bills, environmentalists, and the Illinois Green Alliance.
Opponents, including the American Gas Association and Peoples Gas, argue that the ban would increase costs, jeopardize environmental progress, and deny affordable energy to underserved populations.
Chicago joins a list of several other cities across the United States moving toward electric appliances and heat in new buildings to meet local, state, and national climate goals.