La Grange's Costs For 'Climate Action Plan'?

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange trustees on Monday voted unanimously for the Chicago area's "climate action plan," but not before a resident asked about the costs to taxpayers.

Under the plan, area towns and counties aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half in six years from 2005 levels, by 65 percent in 2040 and by 80 percent in 2050.

"This seems like there are a lot of open-ended commitments and platitudes," resident Tim Penrod said. "I want to know if the village had done anything to assess what the commitments to this plan will cost the village and what it will cost individuals."

Village President Mark Kuchler said no overall study has been done on the costs. But he said the village assesses the price tags of its specific actions.

For example, he said, the village decided to replace a parking lot with permeable pavers, which officials considered better for the environment.

"There is a substantial cost increase to do paver blocks vs. asphalt," Kuchler said. "We looked at that. We were able to obtain a grant from (the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District), which for the most part offset the additional costs for the village."

Later in the meeting, Trustee Glenn Thompson said a proposed four-story building in La Grange next to railroad tracks helps reduce the need for more cars on the road.

He said a commitment to bringing in higher-density housing means fewer transportation miles, reduced energy use and more decarbonization.

Penrod also asked whether the village was committed under the agreement to following what other towns do to achieve the goals.

Kuchler said the village was "definitely" not committed to everything other agreement signers do.

"It's a goal to do these things, but we're not committed to it," he said.

The climate plan includes decarbonizing energy sources and transportation, reducing car miles traveled, and managing water sustainably.

Among other things, the plan calls for educating the community and incorporating equity and inclusion into climate plans.

So far, 42 area towns and counties have endorsed it.