Electrify Chicago Buildings
Buildings account for nearly 70% of greenhouse gases emitted in Chicago.
The Clean & Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) would effectively ban natural gas in new construction by setting emissions standards so that new buildings would be all-electric, with healthier and cheaper heat and appliances.
CABO reduces emissions. 68% of Chicago’s emissions come from our buildings (compared to the national average of 29%). Electric buildings are estimated to produce at most half of the emissions of gas ones, which is crucial to meet Chicago’s current emissions-reduction goal of 62% by 2040.
CABO saves money. Natural gas prices are out of control and getting worse. While Chicagoans struggle to pay bills, electric appliances are up to $1,000 a year cheaper than gas ones. Plus, the cost of retrofitting a building to electrify it after it’s already been built is way more expensive than building it electric to begin with!
CABO creates jobs. As of 2021, Chicagoans employed in the clean energy sector outnumber Chicagoans employed in the fossil fuel sector by more than double. CABO creates jobs for them in specialties like electricians and HVAC!
CABO protects public health. Indoor emissions from natural gas have been linked to higher rates of asthma and cancer. CABO will take the first step to remove methane gas from our buildings, making them healthier for us and the climate.
Over 50 municipalities (including New York and Los Angeles) have passed their own versions of CABO.
Naturally, Peoples Gas Company and their allies are lobbying hard against CABO. They want to grow their business, not shrink it. A coalition of more than 50 nonprofit organizations concerned about affordability, health, and the environment are working to pass it.
Support climate-friendly public policy—tell the Chicago City Council to pass the Clean & Affordable Buildings Ordinance.
LWV Chicago’s Environmental Action Committee (EAC) is spearheading our efforts to pass CABO. Learn more about the EAC’s work.
Get the Latest Updates
We were at City Hall today to testify in support of the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance! CABO will transition new building construction away from dirty, expensive fossil fuels.