Chicago 2016 goes for the green

With the bid announcement less than a month away, Mayor Daley is gearing up with green initiatives in Chicago’s final effort at securing its spot as host city for the 2016 Games.

As reported by the Environment News Service, in its mini-bids to the International Olympic Committee Chicago has shown its commitment to clean air and water noting that air quality exceeds all but one of the U.S. national standards – which is expected to be restored before 2016 – and that water quality exceeds all U.S. standards.

Moreover, with the mayor’s establishment of the position of Chief Environmental Officer two years ago Daley became the first on the city-level to make an environment officer part of his cabinet – something the IOC has looked upon favorably.

Plans for a nature preserve alongside an Olympic venue site are also in the works and if Chicago is chosen to host the 2016 Games they have already pledged to a carbon-neutral Summer Games.

While the mayor’s many environmental initiatives have been a strong selling point so far, the IOC is more concerned with the capacity of Chicago’s infrastructure as well as financing issues.

A big concern is that Chicago’s mass transit won’t be able to hold up against the arrival of an estimated more than one million extra visitors.

Also, alarming is the controversy surrounding funding for the Games.  As of June the mayor planned to sign a host-city contract; the terms of the contract hold taxpayers responsible if Chicago loses money on the Olympics.

While Chicago 2016 scrambles to tie up loose ends in its final weeks before the bid announcement in Copenhagen, Daley hopes that a green Chicago will help the city land Olympic gold.