Chicago Proposes Ordinance to Phase Out Fossil-Fuel Appliances in New Buildings

The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance faces opposition from gas and construction unions, while utility bills continue to burden Chicago residents.

• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance, which aims to phase out fossil-fuel based appliances and heating systems in new construction and significantly improved buildings within a year of approval.
• The ordinance is facing opposition from influential gas and construction unions, who are calling for further studies into the costs of implementing the proposed rule.
• Buildings are Chicago’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 70% of the total.
• Over 100 local governments across the US have adopted similar policies to prioritize electrification for new construction, including major cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Seattle.
• Chicago's utility bills are already high, with approximately one in five Chicagoans more than 30 days behind on their gas bills.

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