formerly citizens' greener Evanston
Evanston now has 25 years to achieve its carbon neutrality and zero waste goals as outlined in the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), and Sustainability and Resilience Manager Cara Pratt has said the city has already accomplished the “low-hanging fruit” in pursuing these targets.
What climate goals and policies would you prioritize in the coming term? How should the city pursue reduction of building emissions?
Do you support phasing out natural gas use in new construction, and requiring existing buildings work toward carbon neutrality over the next 25 years?
Evanston must lead on climate action while ensuring our solutions are both practical and equitable. I fully support our city’s ambitious CARP goals — achieving carbon neutrality and zero waste — while recognizing that bold measures must be balanced with affordability for our residents. I back the Healthy Buildings Ordinance as a critical tool for reducing emissions, but I believe it requires thoughtful adjustments. We must refine its provisions so that compliance is achievable without placing undue financial strain on our already stretched school districts and public institutions. I advocate for a public rule-making process that offers alternative compliance pathways, including dedicated decarbonization funds and flexible timelines. Under my leadership, we’ve created funding to build a robust climate action team, expanding our capacity to implement sustainable policies. My approach ensures that environmental initiatives not only protect our community and reduce emissions but also safeguard economic stability. By linking smart environmental policy with targeted financial support, we can transform Evanston into a model of sustainable, equitable urban living for current residents and future generations.
