Ald. Maria Hadden (49) speaks about the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance during a news conference in January. [Michael McDevitt/The Daily Line]

The City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy held an hours-long subject matter hearing on the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) Wednesday, a proposal that would set new indoor emissions standards for new buildings and additions to prohibit the use of natural gas heating systems and natural gas-powered appliances.  

Groups in favor of CABO argue the legislation would mitigate the share of greenhouse gas emissions that come from Chicago’s built environment and lower energy costs for property owners and tenants. They also argue it will lead to better health outcomes and cite the health concerns associated with gas stoves. 

But some labor unions representing the plumbers, pipefitters and operating engineers, along with Peoples Gas, oppose the ordinance, saying it removes customer choice and would cause job losses. They also warn that customers left on the gas system will end up experiencing higher gas bills.