Illinois Green Policy Update: April 2024 

By Alejandra Rodriguez, Communications Intern

 

More than 100 clean building advocates showed up in support of the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) at an April 3 Chicago City Council hearing. 

Many supporters of CABO told council members why they believe this ordinance is vital for protecting the city’s health, environment, and well-being, including Illinois Green Alliance’s Policy and Communications Associate, Ryan Wilmington.   

“It is clear that the demand is there, the technology is feasible, and these buildings are affordable. Chicago needs to take inspiration from cutting edge market leaders, and not those who want to stick residents with ineffective, outdated technology that makes our residents unhealthy and drains their pockets,” Wilmington said.   

CABO was presented at the hearing by Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar, Buildings Department Managing Deputy Commissioner Grant Ulrich, and other city officials. They explained that meeting Chicago’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 is pressing, as the last decade has been the hottest on record.   

The team faced criticism from Alderwoman Silvana Tabares, who echoed union concerns about job loss. Tovar countered that CABO presents pathways to jobs for women and people of color.   

Later in the hearing, Council members questioned ComEd representatives Scott Vogt, Vice President of Strategy and Energy Policy, and Jim Ortega, Director of Grid Analytics, on grid reliability. The alders' main concern was on whether existing infrastructure had the power to sustain electrification through their existing grids. Vogt and Ortega claimed that their grids are built for the summer, when peak energy usage with heavy air conditioning demand occurs.   

Less energy generation is needed now in comparison to peak heat in 2011 because of efficiency measures implemented over the last 15 years. They claimed that there is no doubt they can meet increased electricity demand from CABO.  

AJ Patton, Sandra Henry, and Sarah Moskowitz then presented their support for CABO, providing perspectives from developers, nonprofits, and utility watchdogs.  

Patton is the founder of 548 Development, an energy efficient and solar powered affordable housing company in Chicago.  

His testimony centered around the positive market conditions for electric buildings, which are cheaper to build and maintain, as they have lower energy bills than fossil fuel buildings because of the efficiency of heat pumps. 

“Our tenants have now received over a one-third reduction in their utility expenses, and I have delivered over double-digit returns to my investors. Just to state for the record, I am a for profit,” Patton said.  

Afterwards, representatives of People's Gas voiced their opposition to CABO. Although they offered cleaner alternatives of hydrogen and renewable natural gas from a food decomposition project, these technologies have not been tested.  

Additionally, these sources will be incompatible with their framework until they complete their infrastructure replacement program, which is already behind schedule and over budget.  

When questioned about implementing these sources, People’s Gas failed to find answers for their timelines of execution or how energy demands could be met with these sources.  

Though no immediate movement has been made in going forward with CABO, advocates continue to push their support, and the campaign towards clean energy is ongoing.