League Testifies in Support of CABO
We were at City Hall on April 3 to testify in support of the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance! CABO will transition new building construction away from dirty, expensive fossil fuels.
Read LWV Chicago President Jane Ruby’s Public Comment:
My name is Jane Ruby and I’m president of the Chicago League of Women Voters.
I’m speaking today on behalf of the Chicago League because climate change poses a risk to our democracy. In the past year, the hottest in history, we in Chicago have experienced toxic air from wildfires far away, flooding from heavy rains, and February weather much warmer than normal. While such weather may be pleasant, it’s a sign something is wrong.
Effective climate action requires political commitment at the federal, state and absolutely at the local level here in Chicago.
Nearly 1 in 5 Chicago residents are behind on their gas bills and gas rates are continuing to increase. Additionally, burning gas indoors exposes us to chemicals that cause cancer and asthma. The Clean & Affordable Buildings Ordinance is a key first step in the necessary transition away from fossil fuels that are expensive, harmful to our health, and terrible for our climate.
CABO would put a cap on emissions allowable in new construction of commercial and residential buildings, a cap natural gas cannot meet. Electricity, now half drawn from emissions-free sources of nuclear, wind and solar power, would be able to meet the requirement.
We at the League recognize the disproportionate impact the human-caused climate crisis has on health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights. It is an environmental justice issue. Frontline communities are having trouble paying high gas bills. Electric buildings are cheaper and better for public health.
Some argue that actions to decrease emissions would hurt the economy. But the costs of doing nothing are even higher and are increasing with every day of inaction.
I urge the City Council to pass the Clean & Affordable Buildings Ordinance! Thank you.