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The City of Chicago is suing six oil and gas companies, including BP, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, as well as their trade association, for misleading consumers about the risks of climate change associated with fossil fuel products. The city aims to make these companies pay for the climate change impacts affecting Chicago, such as poor air quality and basement flooding. Similar lawsuits have been filed by other municipalities and states across the United States. Advocates compare these lawsuits to those against the tobacco industry, which eventually led to a federal judge finding that the industry had lied about the dangers of smoking. The oil and gas companies are accused of downplaying the risks of climate change and manipulating scientific findings. The American Petroleum Institute argues that these lawsuits are a waste of time and money, stating that climate policy should be decided by Congress, not the court system. Despite industry efforts to prevent these lawsuits, many courts have ruled in favor of allowing them to proceed. Chicago is seeking to shift the costs of climate change back to the companies responsible for the crisis. The city's complaint provides further details on the damages caused by climate change and aims to prevent the defendants from engaging in deceptive practices. [Extracted from the article]

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced an ordinance that would ban natural gas hookups in new construction and additions over 10,000 square feet. The ordinance aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring new buildings to be all-electric. Similar bans have been adopted in other major U.S. cities, but some have faced legal challenges. The proposed ordinance in Chicago sets an indoor emissions limit and exempts certain buildings such as crematoriums, commercial kitchens, and hospitals. The local gas industry has criticized the ordinance, while proponents argue that the current natural gas system is unaffordable for many residents. The Illinois Green Alliance has addressed concerns about increased electric use straining grid capacity and highlighted research showing Chicago has low long-term reliability risks. [Extracted from the article]

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced an ordinance that would ban natural gas hookups in new construction and additions over 10,000 square feet. The legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring new buildings to be all-electric. Similar bans have been adopted in other major U.S. cities, but some have faced legal challenges. The proposed ordinance in Chicago sets an indoor emissions limit and exempts certain buildings such as crematoriums, commercial kitchens, and hospitals. The gas industry has criticized the ordinance, while proponents argue that it is a necessary step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels. [Extracted from the article]